‘ Govt can direct Trai on public policy’

As millions of Internet users are opposing Trai’s consultation paper on allowing telecom companies to charge consumers differently for using different websites and mobile applications, communications and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the government had powers to give directions to the regulator on public policy while replying to a call attention notice on Net neutrality in the RS.

However, the minister sought to allay the concerns and opposition to its move, and said, “It was imperative that non- discriminatory Internet ecosystem is not just fostered but also preserved. Let me begin by making a commitment, an assurance to this House and through the House to the people of India — this government is committed to the fundamental princi- ples and concept of Net neutrality i. e. keep the Internet accessible and available to all without discrimination,” Mr Prasad said. The minister said it was imperative that non- discriminatory Internet ecosystem is not just fostered but also preserved.

Mr Prasad said while the government is committed to keeping the Internet equally accessible to all users, blocking and deliberate slowing down or speeding up of lawful content on the Web should not be allowed.

The minister further stressed that the Modi government’s digital India programme is designed to bridge the divide between the digital haves and digital havenots and reach digital connectivity to a billion citizens.

“Digital India has basically three components — creation of digital infrastructure as a utility for the citizens of India, digital delivery of services and digital empowerment of citizens,” he said.