English a must in IT world:Dayanidhi Maran

Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran has said that English language is an asset for the country in forging ahead in software industry in the world. Inaugurating a Computer Centre in Government Arts College here on Tuesday, he said knowledge on IT and computer could be gained effectively with the aid of English.

Nearly 5 percent of our population were proficient in English language. They can speak and write well in English. Though the neighbouring China remains top in international electronic trade, the country has been unable to do well in computer market.

Since Chinese had not acquired, sufficient knowledge in English, the country failed to corner significant position in the software business, he said and added “though Tamil is a lifeline, youth should master English”. He called up on the youth to prepare themselves for a computer revolution. Maran said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had launched a scheme for providing computers to Government Arts and Science Colleges in the State which would assist the students to gain sufficient knowledge in IT field.

He said unlike America, Japan and Europe, our country has a tremendous youth power. More than 70 percent of total youth population reside in rural area and the rest in urban centres. The Government will take necessary steps for setting up special economic zone in Villupuram next year, he assured.

Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudi, MP K Dhanraj and MLA Pushparaj also spoke.