India doubled its financial contribution to the International Telecommunication Union from five ''contributory units'' to 10, amounting to CHF 3.18 million per annum.

Announcing the increase at the ITU Council meeting in Geneva, D.S. Mathur, secretary, ministry of communications and information technology, government of India said, "India fully supports the mission of the International Telecommunication Union to connect the world and, in particular, to develop online resources and strengthen cybersecurity. The Global Cybersecurity Agenda launched by ITU this year is a significant step in ensuring confidence and security in the use of information and communication technologies around the world."

Mathur added that India would support ITU not only financially but with human resources as well. "India is at the forefront of ICT development in the world owing largely to its wealth of human capacity, which is based on our top-class educational system," said the Secretary. "We will use our growing global presence in this sector to promote ITU''s work in reaching the benefits of ICT to all inhabitants of the world."

Mr Mathur expressed India''s confidence in ITU''s management and the launch of new global initiatives, including the series to Connect the World. ICT is the driver of economic growth and employment around the world and the catalyst for improved services such as health care and education.

Dr Hamadoun Touré, secretary-general, ITU, welcomed India''s increased contribution and said it was a reflection of the spectacular growth of telecommunications in the country. He said, "I thank the government of India for the increased financial contribution that will support ITU''s commitment to connect people everywhere, especially in remote and underserved regions. By doing so, we will be able to accelerate the process of meeting the broader development goals."

Dr Touré said that a Marshall Plan for ICT is needed if we are to meet the 2015 connectivity targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). "India''s increased financial support must be emulated by other Member States and stakeholders who have made commitments to connect the world in the Millennium Declaration and at the World Summit on the Information Society."
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