The Prime Minister of India recently addressed a virtual event, marking the six-year milestone of the Digital Indian programme. Lauded as “India’s Techade,” the innovative venture capitalizes on demographics and data capabilities to develop technology that serves the country’s diverse needs. The initiative has introduced several impactful schemes over the years, underlining the vital role of digital solutions particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Schemes of the Digital India Programme
Among the notable projects rolled out under the programme is National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers, called Diksha. This initiative helps equip all teachers across India with advanced digital technology. Another important scheme is eNAM, launched in 2016 as a nationwide electronic trade portal linking Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) across states.
The eSanjeevani initiative offers telemedicine services, while DigiBunai provides weavers with the means to create digital artwork and translate saree designs for looms. The PM SVANidhi scheme, developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, provides affordable loans to street vendors while also encouraging digital transactions.
Digital India Programme’s Response to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Digital India Programme developed Aarogya Setu, a contact tracing app. Moreover, it contributed significantly to government schemes such as BharatNet, Make in India, Startup India, Standup India, industrial corridors, and others.
Vision and Objectives of the Digital India Programme
The primary mission of the Digital India Programme involves creating a digital infrastructure accessible to every citizen. It also aims to offer governance and services on-demand and promote digital empowerment among the populace.
The broader objectives include preparing India for a knowledge-based future, making technology a change-enabler, and serving as an umbrella programme covering multiple departments.
Major Achievements
One of the most significant accomplishments of the Digital India Programme is the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The UPI has made digital payments more accessible and efficient, stimulating economic growth and attracting numerous private players to offer digital payment alternatives.
The Electronic Identification System (e-KYC), the Electronic Document Storage System (DigiLocker), and the Electronic Signature System (eSign) have eased business operations. Moreover, the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile) initiative has significantly enhanced the vaccination drive against COVID-19.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite the significant strides made, the programme still faces challenges like digital illiteracy, poor infrastructure, low internet speed, lack of inter-departmental coordination, and taxation issues. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for unleashing the full potential of this programme.
To further the digital transformation, measures like fostering scientific temper, ensuring data access, lowering device costs, promoting high-speed technology, providing quality local language content, maintaining a secure cyberspace, leveraging green technology, and digitalizing more government services are recommended.
The impact of the Digital India Programme is reflected in burgeoning start-ups, progressive digital education, seamless banking and payment solutions, agritech advancements, health tech developments, smart cities, effective e-governance, and streamlined retail management. It bolsters India’s journey toward becoming a five trillion-dollar economy, reinforcing its success story in the digital arena.
