AT THE inaugural session of the United Nations World Geospatial Conference held in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that technology is not an agent of exclusion but of inclusion in India. Moreover, he said that India is one of the leading startup hubs in the world and it is a young nation with a great spirit of innovation.
While addressing the United Nations World Geospatial International Congress, via video message, Prime Minister Modi welcomed international delegates and said, “The people of India are happy to welcome you on this historic occasion as we build our future together”. Further, he said that the city (Hyderabad) is known for its culture and cuisine, hospitality and high-tech outlook.
Speaking on technology, the Prime Minister said, “Technology is bringing transformation and India is one of the leading countries in promoting real-time digital payments. Technology and talent are the two pillars that are essential to India’s development. Technology brings transformation.
Underlining the theme of the conference, “Geo-empowering the global village: no one should be left behind,” Prime Minister Modi said, “We have been working on a vision of Antyodaya, which means empowering the last person in the last mile, in a mission mode,” he said.
The Prime Minister explained that 135 million people, about twice the population of France, were insured while 450 million unbanked people, a population larger than that of the United States, were integrated into the banking system. . He went on to say that “India is ensuring that no one is left behind” by providing sanitation services to 110 million people and piped water connections to over 60 million families.
He further highlighted the role of geospatial technology in promoting inclusion and progress. “The role of technology in programs like SVAMITVA and housing, and the outcomes in terms of women’s ownership and empowerment, have a direct impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty and equality of gender,” said Pm Modi.
