Question : MEDIA LAB ASIA

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(a) whether the Media Lab Asia was touted as a major ambitious programme of the previous Government to take IT to the rural areas;

(b) whether the same was later abandoned;

(c) if so, the reascns therefor; and

(d) the total cost incurred thereon?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(DR.SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a): Media Lab Asia has been set up by the Government of India to research and innovate in Information and Communication Technologies(ICT) areas relevant to the common man and demonstrate the innovations and products by test/pilot deployment in the field.

(b): No, Sir.

(c): Does not arise.

(d): An amount of Rs.65.00 crores has been released by the . Government of India to Media Lab Asia so far.