Lessons from India’s C-DOT saga for technology development

Why in news

The passing of former MP K.P. Unnikrishnan highlighted the historical 'C-DOT saga' where political intervention led to the removal of Sam Pitroda, stalling India's indigenous telecommunications development.

Background

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) was an organization tasked with developing indigenous telecommunications technology in India. In 1990, Minister for Communications K.P. Unnikrishnan oversaw the investigation and sacking of its chairman, Sam Pitroda.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyC-DOT: Centre for Development of Telematics
• FactK.P. Unnikrishnan served as Minister for Communications from December 1989 to April 1990
• PostSam Pitroda served as the chairman of C-DOT

For Mains

Q. Discuss the institutional and political factors that hinder the growth of indigenous technology development in India, using the C-DOT case as a reference.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Administrative friction: Bureaucratic constraints and lack of autonomy for R&D bodies
• Political interference: Impact of short-term political decisions on long-term technological self-reliance
• Institutional momentum: Loss of continuity in indigenous innovation due to leadership instability

Keywords: Indigenous technology · Technological sovereignty · Bureaucratic hurdles · Institutional autonomy · R&D ecosystem

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