Delhi : A Video Conference, first of its kind, was held in the Ministry of Rural Areas and Employment at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on 30 December, 1997. The Conference was facilitated by NIC through NICNET Info Highway. During the Conference, the Secretaries in-charge of Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation in the Southern States reported the financial and physical performance in implementing the centre-sponsored schemes to the then Union Minister of Rural Areas and Employment Mr. K. Yerrannaidu, who, in his inaugural remarks complimented NIC on this important technological breakthrough.