Kerala lauds Microsoft for Malayalam software
Wednesday, 13 November 2002, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: Kerala has lauded the move by Microsoft to enable its next version of Windows software to support the Malayalam language. "This is the commencement of a long term relationship," Kerala Minister for IT P.K. Kunhalikutty said after a meeting with Microsoft chairman Bill Gates here Tuesday. Kunhalikutty described the move as a "major step forward for the state, which has been lagging behind the other southern Indian states in IT initiatives". This is the first time a team from Kerala met Gates. This the minister claimed will give the state's "IT for the masses" project the necessary impetus. Microsoft has also promised technical expertise in two flagship projects in the state, Kunhalikutty said. These include Information Kerala Mission, a grassroots level e-governance program and "Akshaya," an initiative to bridge the digital divide in the state. While the mission is in its nascent stages, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will soon launch "Askhaya". "We could not have afforded to miss the bus this time," remarked the minister. "The very fact that he (Gates) agreed to meet a Kerala delegation ahead of the other states illustrates Microsoft's desire to work with us", he added. Microsoft's Indian team and the Kerala government will now draw up a roadmap in the next 60 days. "He has agreed to accord Kerala a special focus, which is tantamount to considering us as a referral point in Microsoft's Indian initiatives. This includes investment in our state", Kunhalikutty maintained. "This focus would be at par with the programs Microsoft runs in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka", he added. Under the proposal Microsoft would also help Kerala in its drive to enhance computer literacy at the school level. Also in the offing are specific competency centers for Microsoft tools. Infrastructure, technical proficiency of the people and broad policy framework according to Kunhalikutty, were the most important requirements sought by the Microsoft team. The minister was confident of delivering on all fronts. "Our adeptness in the IT sector has amplified manifold", he claimed. "We are at par with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in this respect."
Source: IANS
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