Even in the era of technological convergence, India opted to retain multiple regulators and their preferences. With the Convergence Bill tabled in Parliament, the scenario is likely to change bringing together Information Technology, Telecom and Information & Broadcasting Ministries.
In spite of all the hurdles faced, finally, the much talked about Communications Convergence Bill has been tabled in the Indian Parliament for discussion. The outcome of the discussions along with the recommendations of the Parliament standing committee on convergence (Information technology) are going to reflect the necessary steps that the Indian technology business has to initiate. Rejuvenated by the announcement of the long-awaited Bill, industry people are gearing up to grab the opportunities that will eventually come their way. As the world's second most populated country, today the country has over 29 mn cable households, 21 million telephone users and more than 2 million Internet users. The extent of jubilation among the Indian players was so high that immediately after the announcement of the CCB, many Indian companies have participated in the Communic Asia 2001, an exhibition promoted by the Singapore Exhibition Services in June.
Sending a strong signal about the commitment of Government towards the development of infrastructure for information technology, telecom and media, to the entire industry public, the Group of Ministries (GoM-IT) headed by the union finance minister, Yaswant Sihna, has approved the draft of the convergence bill. It was tabled in the Lower House of parliament on August 29, 2001 during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Parliament. The bill above all will make the merging of the government departments, which are functioning at present independently from one another, easier. It is not the first time that the talk was about merging three crucial departments. The issue first cropped up in early 1990s, but could not materialize. This time the government has initiated steps in integrating the regulatory aspects as a precursor to the final integration.
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