Expansion of the Digital India Programme

The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister, has given its approval for the expansion of the Digital India Program. This expansion is backed by a total budget of ₹14,903 crore. The Digital India program, originally launched on July 1, 2015, aims to facilitate the delivery of government services through digital means and promote digital literacy and technology adoption across India.

Introduction

The Digital India Programme was launched on July 1st 2015, to avail digital delivery services for Indian citizens. The Programme later proved itself highly successful. An expansion of the Digital India programme was approved by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who chaired the Union Cabinet on August 16th, 2023. The Programme which was announced for expansion with an outlay of rupees 14,903 crores, will give a lift to the digital economy of India and is expected to drive access to various services and support India’s IT and electronic ecosystem.

About

The allocated budget of ₹14,903 crore will support various initiatives that aim to further enhance the digital infrastructure and capabilities of the nation.

Key Points

6.25 lakh IT professionals will be re-skilled and up-skilled under the FutureSkills Prime Programme;
2.65 lakh persons will be trained in information security under the Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme;
540 additional services will be available under the Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app/ platform. At present over 1,700 services are already available on UMANG;
The National Supercomputing Mission, which has deployed 18 supercomputers, will add nine more such machines. “These supercomputers will have so many applications in weather forecasting, geology, agriculture, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) modeling
Bhashini, the AI-enabled multi-language translation tool (currently available in 10 languages) will be rolled out in all 22 schedule 8 languages;
Modernisation of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) which connects 1,787 educational institutions;
DigiLocker, the online repository operated by the government for official documents, will be expanded to serve Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises, or MSMEs. This will make it easier for them to get verified documents for business loans.
1,200 startups will be supported in Tier 2/3 cities and Cyber-awareness courses for 12 crores college students;
3 Centers of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence on health, agriculture and sustainable cities will be set up;

Significance

Inclusive Growth: Bridging the digital divide is essential for inclusive growth. The Digital India program aims to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their location or socio-economic background, can access and benefit from digital services. This empowers marginalized communities and brings them into the mainstream of technological advancement and economic opportunities.
Efficient Service Delivery: By offering government services online, the program streamlines administrative processes and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. Citizens can access services from the comfort of their homes, saving time and effort. This efficient service delivery enhances citizen satisfaction and builds trust in the government’s ability to respond effectively.
Economic Growth: The promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of the IT sector has a direct impact on the economy. Digitalization leads to the creation of new industries, products, and services, generating jobs and contributing to economic growth. Moreover, as businesses adopt digital practices, productivity and efficiency increase.
Transparency: Digitizing processes and making services available online reduces the scope for intermediaries and corruption. Transactions and interactions become more traceable and accountable, fostering greater transparency in government operations. This transparency builds public trust and confidence in the system.
Digital Literacy: Enhancing digital literacy equips citizens with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy is a fundamental skill that empowers individuals to access information, communicate effectively, and participate in the digital economy. It also prepares the workforce for the jobs of the future

Challenges

Digital Divide: The unequal access to technology and internet connectivity between urban and rural areas is a significant challenge. While urban centres usually have better access to high-speed internet, rural and remote areas often lack reliable connectivity. This divide limits the benefits of digital services and information dissemination to those who need it most.
Digital Illiteracy: A considerable portion of the population lacks the necessary digital skills to effectively use digital platforms, tools, and services. This hinders their ability to fully engage in the digital ecosystem, access government services, and benefit from technological advancements.
Cybersecurity Concerns: As digital transactions and interactions increase, the risk of cyber threats and data breaches also grows. Ensuring the security of digital systems, protecting personal data, and educating citizens about online safety become paramount to prevent fraud, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
Infrastructure Gaps: Building robust digital infrastructure is essential for the success of digital initiatives. However, challenges in terms of setting up data centres, expanding network coverage, and maintaining the infrastructure in remote areas can impede progress. Without adequate infrastructure, delivering digital services becomes difficult.
Linguistic Diversity: India’s linguistic diversity poses a unique challenge when it comes to developing localized digital content. To ensure that digital services are accessible and relevant to all citizens, content must be available in multiple languages. This requires significant efforts in translation and localization.

Conclusion

The Digital India program embodies the nation’s journey towards technological empowerment. As progress unfolds, the imperative of bridging the digital divide becomes evident, necessitating robust infrastructure expansion and localized content creation. Equipping citizens with digital skills and fortifying cybersecurity measures stand as linchpins in ensuring the program’s efficacy. Ultimately, the program’s triumph holds the potential to not only catalyze economic growth but also uplift the quality of life for millions, epitomizing India’s dynamic leap into the digital age.

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