In a Lok Sabha session, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Manju Sharma highlighted the issue of data security and technological self-reliance. Sharma expressed worries about India’s increasing dependence on foreign technologies, especially in critical sectors like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital payments. She emphasized that relying heavily on foreign software and hardware poses risks to data security and digital sovereignty.
Sharma pointed out that many crucial government and public digital systems in India are still running on foreign technological infrastructure. This situation not only jeopardizes sensitive data but also undermines the country’s long-term technological independence. She stressed that technology is now fundamental to India’s economic strength, security, and global competitiveness.
Moreover, Sharma praised Jaipur for its strong technical education, startups, and MSMEs, suggesting that promoting indigenous technologies could create new job opportunities for the youth. She called on the government to boost investment in indigenous technology research, establish a clear self-reliance policy in strategic sectors, and prioritize the use of local digital platforms in government operations. Sharma also emphasized the importance of enforcing robust data protection laws to safeguard citizens’ digital information and ensure national data security.
