NASSCOM to act as catalyst for India's development

MUMBAI: NASSCOM would function as a catalyst to bring IT companies together and serve the cause of corporate social responsibility and focus the attention of the IT sector on the social area.

The association, through NASSCOM Foundation, would provide a platform for IT companies to come together, and would focus the attention of the IT industry on the on social causes.

Speaking on 'ICT for Development' at the 2006 India Leadership Forum, which concludes here today, Kiran Karnik, president, NASSCOM pointed at the bigger role technology has to play in the development of the country.

He said that IT industry will have to focus on areas like primary education, health and livelihood, where technology can play a big role to change the lives of many. Karnik also reminded that IT industry employs largest number of youth, who could make a huge difference in the society.

Participating in the discussion Viraf Mehta, chief executive, Partners in Change said that the Millennium Development Goals couldn't be achieved without appropriate participation of private sector.

According to him, the target should be to be truly competitive in corporate social responsibility.

Harish Mehta, chairman and managing director, Onward Technologies Ltd stressed on the need to encourage the ICT sector to participate in India's development as a whole.

The ICT industry that has set standards in many sectors like HR, transparency, etc., should set the same standards in corporate social responsibility and make it an integral part of the business.

Karnik also released the publication, 'Catalysing Change - IT Industry's Commitment to Societal Development' at the event.