DIGITAL INDIA: TO TRANSFORM INDIA IN TO A DIGITALLY EMPOWERED

SOCIETY
*DR.B.POORANA JEYA M.Com,M.Phil,SET,Ph.D.
Assistant professor,
PG & Research Departmentof Commerce (CA)
Bharathidasan collegeof Arts & Science- Erode
ABSTRACT
Digital India Program was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July1,
2015. In the inaugural speech of this program he has mentioned his dream from digital
India i.e. for driving innovation, knowledge is strength and empowers the people, access
of information knows no barrier, government is open & governance is transparent,
technology ensures the citizen government interface is incorruptible, governmental
services are easy and efficiently available to citizens on mobile devices, government
productivity engaged with people through social media, quality education reaches the
most inaccessible corners driven by digital learning, quality health care percolates right
up to remotest region powered by e health care, formers are empowered with real-time
information to the connected with global market, mobile enable emergency services
ensures personal security, cyber security is integral part of national security, mobile & e-
banking ensures financial inclusion, ecommerce drive entrepreneurship , world looks to
India for next big idea, etc. This paper deals with how digital India project empowered
the Indian society.
KEY WORDS: Digital, India, Government, Global, Website, ICTs, Citizens, Development.

I. INTRODUCTION
Digital India is a Programme to prepare India for a knowledge future .
Digital India attracted more than 4 lakh crore investments and generated more than
eighteen lakh job opportunists at its launch. Second highest import category in India
is electronics goods in country. This fact is indigestible because India has largest
number of IT professional and very large MSME (Micro, small and Medium) scoter
still it has not developed its capabilities to manufacture in this sector. Government has
made the policy with a vision to make net zero import of this category. “The digital
India programme is a flagship programme of the government of India with a vision to
transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
I.1 Building blocks of Digital India

S. NO. VISION SUMMARY

High Speed Internet

1. INFRASTRUCTURE
Digital Identity

Mobile & Bank Linking

Cloud Storage

Safe Access

Credentials cloud Based

2. DEMAND BASED Real Time Access

Integration

Business Ease

Secure Payments

Digital Literacy

3. EMPOWERMENT Digital Recourse

Indian Languages

Digital Platform

Cloud Based
 I.2 Digital India
“Digital India” as term defined something which is provide digitally using
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and contributing to improve
growth in employment, economy and productivity. The vision of this scheme is to
digitally empowered India and the reason is to say “Digital India: Power to Empower”. It
will able to provide the facility for electronic manufacturing on a broad scale to match the
increasing needs of the country. Digital India is a bridge between digital “haves and not-
haves”. It also ensures that government services availed by each and every Indian citizens
so that achieved a long-durable development in the country.
The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high speed internet
networks. Digital India has three core components. These include:
 The creation of digital infrastructure
 Delivering services digitally
 Digital Literacy
II. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study contains the following objectives;

 To study the concept of Digital India in the country.

 To know about aims to identify trends in Digital India services in make in India.

 To review of digital India and the challenges in transforming India in to digital.

 To identify the limitations and opportunities of digital India.

 To give suitable suggestions for improving digital India initiatives.

III. IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

Digital India (DI) is a scheme launched by Government of India. The main objective
of this scheme is to make India digitally empowered in technology. It is also ensure that
government services are accessible by the citizens electronically by improving online
infrastructure as well as internet connectivity. The vision of digital India is the development
in the field of including electronics services, products, manufacturing and job oriented
schemes etc. Digital technologies including mobile application and cloud computing is causes
an important role in rapid development for economic growth and digitally empowered Indian
citizen across the world. This study overviews the concept of Digital India and its impact on
Indian Society.

IV. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 This study fully based on the secondary data, Particularly Published documents.
These data are collected from various journals, books, government websites and others etc.

V. PROJECTS UNDER DIGITAL INDIA INITIATIVE

To increase digital connectivity and make governance more transparent, Digital India
initiative has launched some amazing projects. Here are 12 of them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Digital Media week on Wednesday to
push the use of technology to connect and empower people in areas relating to health,
education, labour and employment, commerce, etc. The initiative comprises of several
projects which will focus on better governance, knowledge and universal phone connectivity
across the country.
Under this programme, the government plans to introduce Broadband Highways,
Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, IT for Jobs and
much more.
The governance will shift from form e-governance to m-governance where “M is not
Modi Governance, it is mobile governance,” said Modi. The initiative aims to bring big
investments in the technology sector and this Rs 1.13 lakh crore initiative will help in
creating a participative, transparent and responsive government. Here are some key initiatives
which form a part of Digital India week-
1. Digi Locker

The service was launched as an important facility to store crucial documents like
Voter ID Card, Pan Card, BPL Card, Driving License, education certificates, etc. in the
cloud.
2. MyGov.in

The portal works as an online platform to engage citizens in governance through a “Discuss”,
“Do” and “Disseminate” approach.
3. e Sign Framework
 This initiative would enable users to digitally sign a document online using Aadhaar
authentication.
4. Swach Bharat Mission mobile app

The app will enable organizations and citizens to access information regarding the
cleanliness drive and achieve the goals of the mission.
5. National Scholarship Portal

This initiative aims at making the scholarship process easy. From submitting the application,
verification, sanction and disbursal to end beneficiary, everything related to government
scholarships can be done on this single portal online.

6. e Hospital
Online Registration System under this initiative enables people to avail services like online
registration, payment of fees and appointment, online diagnostic reports, checking on
the availability of blood online, etc.
7. Digitize India Platform

This initiative will involve digitization of data and records on a large scale in the country to
make easy and quick access to them possible.
8. Bharat Net

Photo: www.telecomtiger.com
Under this initiative, a high-speed digital highway will connect all 250,000 gram panchayats
of the country. This is the world’s largest rural broadband project using optical fibre.
9. Wi-fi Hotspots

Development of high speed BSNL wi-fi hotspots throughout the country is yet
another initiative to improve digital connectivity in the country.
10. Next Generation Network
 Launched by BSNL, this service will replace 30-year old telephone exchanges to
manage all types of services like voice, data, multimedia and other types of communication
services.
11. Electronics Development Fund

Photo: newshunt.com
The fund will be set up to support the manufacturing of electronics products that would help
create new jobs and reduce import. The funds will promote innovation, research and product
development to create a resource pool within the country.

12. Centre of Excellence on Internet of Things (IoT)

Photo: www.technify.in
In partnership with NASSCOM, and ERNET in Bangalore, Centre of Excellence will
enable rapid adoption of IT technology and encourage a new growth strategy. IT will help the
citizens in services like transport system, parking, electricity, waste management, water
management and women’s safety to create smart cities, smart health services, smart
manufacturing and smart agriculture, etc.
 VI. DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME: IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT
The Digital India programme has been launched with an aim of transforming the
country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The Digital India would
ensure that Government services are available to citizens electronically. It would also bring in
public accountability through mandated delivery of government’s services electronically; a
Unique ID and e-Pramaan based on authentic and standard based interoperable and integrated
government applications and data basis.
Proposed Impact of Digital India
A. Economic impact:
According to analysts, the Digital India plan could boost GDP up to $1 trillion by
2025. It can play a key role in macro-economic factors such as GDP growth, employment
generation, labour productivity, growth in number of businesses and revenue leakages for the
Government.
B. Social impact:
Social sectors such as education, healthcare, and banking are unable to reach out to
the citizens due to obstructions and limitations such as middleman, illiteracy, ignorance,
poverty, lack of funds, information and investments. These challenges have led to an
imbalanced growth in the rural and urban areas with marked differences in the economic and
social status of the people in these areas. Digital platforms can help farmers in know-how
(crop choice, seed variety), context (weather, plant protection, cultivation best practices) and
market information (market prices, market demand, logistics).
C. Environmental impact:
The major changes in the technology space will not only brought changes to the
economic system but will also contribute to the environmental changes. The next generation
technologies will help in lowering the carbon footprint by reducing fuel consumption, waste
management, greener workplaces and thus leading to a greener ecosystem. The ICT sector
helps in efficient management and usage of scarce and non-renewable resources.
VII. POINTS FAVOUR TO DIGITAL INDIA
Major Advantages:
1. Creation of Digital Infrastructure and Electronic Manufacturing in Native India.
2. Digital Empowerment of Native Indian People.
3. Delivery of all Government Services electronically (E-Governance).
4. A Digital Identification which will verify the end user.
5. A Mobile for worldwide access to all services.
6. A Bank account for Immediate Benefit Transfers of subsidies and payments.
7. The program also aims to eliminate all electronics imports from foreign countries by
2020 and make India a electronics manufacturing super power.
Other Advantages :
 It will help in decreasing crime if applied on whole.
 It will help in getting things done easily.
 It will help in decreasing documentation.
 Some of the services which will be provided through this desire effort are Digital
Locker, e-education, e-health, e-sign and nationwide scholarship portal.
 It will ostensibly create a lot of jobs.
 It will be a boost to industry; both large and small enterprises.
VIII. POINTS AGAINST OF DIGITAL INDIA
Most of the disadvantages that we can count arise due to problems with digital
literacy rates and people with malicious intents.
 ONLINE FRAUD Although the elderly and uneducated ones fall into this trap,
others aren’t safe too. Prizes, Free Goodies, ATM PIN, OTP’s is just some ways to
lure potential victims.
 FAKENEWS people tend to believe just about anything on the internet ranging from
Unicorns to UNESCO prizes bestowed upon our nation.
 HATRED doctored clips and photo shopped images are the thing in propaganda
policy right now. Once an idea has taken roots in your brain no amount of logical
reasoning can shake it off easily.
 CYBER BULLYING youngsters new to social media platforms fall prey to predators
resulting in dire consequences. One recent example is the Blue Whale Game.

 VIRAL VIDEOS it is one of the worst cases of internet misuse. Making videos and
pictures viral is seen a tool to defame and shame the victim. Another sad aspect is
when children are involved in a sexual nature.
 DIGITAL CURRENCY this is one step intended towards reducing hard currency
usage but it sudden implementation has seen people unable to buy goods or pay
(demonetisation!).
 DISTRACTION students have distanced themselves from books thanks to dirt
cheap data packs. Not many years have passed by when we used internet cautiously
so as not to exhaust our MONTHLY limit. Now that just a day’s quota.
 SOCIAL LIFE families get to spend very less quality time like back in the past
when we used to watch TV together so for any other activity. Now everyone just
wants to remain updated with the world but not with their loved ones.
 HYPEBEAST there’s this fake pride in showing off wearing the latest brands
enjoying being the centre of attraction while being hollow inside.
 IDENTITY THEFT this is one big unaddressed issue that looms over us. Security
measures aren’t up to international standards and we mistake by not identifying this as
that big a problem.
IX. FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
• More than 12,000 rural post office branches have been linked digitally and soon payment
banking would also become a reality for them.
• The government also plans to make ‘digital village’ across the country, by linking all
schemes with technology. The ‘digital village’ would be powered by LED lighting, solar
energy, skill development centres and e-services like e-education and e-health.
• Electronic transactions related to e-governance projects in the country more than doubled in
2023, owing to the Digital India Programme. According to government website electronic
transaction aggregation and analysis layer (eTaal), 8.53 billion transactions took place in
2023
• The progressive policies and aggressive focus on ‘Make in India’ have played a significant
role in the resurgence of the electronics manufacturing sector.
X. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
Digital India campaign can’t be successful on its own. Policy changes are needed to
make digital India a reality. Few of the suggestions are –
1. Digital literacy is first step in empowering citizens. People should know how to secure
their online data.
2. To make this programme successful, a massive awareness programme has to be
conducted. There is pressing need to educate and inform the citizens, especially in rural and
remote areas, about the benefits of internet services to increase the growth of internet usage.
3. Digital divide needs to be addressed.
4. Manufacturing content is not government’s strength. This mission needs content and
service partnerships with telecom companies and other firms.
5. PPP models must be explored for sustainable development of digital infrastructure.
6. Private sector should be encouraged for development of last mile infrastructure in rural
and remote areas. To encourage private sector, there must be favourable taxation policies,
quicker clearance of projects.
7. The success of digital India project depends upon maximum connectivity with minimum
cyber security risks. For this we need a strong anti cyber crime team which maintains the
database and protects it round the clock.
8. To improve skill in cyber security, we need to introduce cyber security course at graduate
level and encourage international certification bodies to introduce various skill based cyber
security courses.
9. There is need for effective participation of various departments and demanding
commitment and efforts. Various policies in different areas should support this goal.
10. For successful implementation, there must be amendments in various legislations that
have for long hindered the growth of technology in India.
XI. CONCLUSION
A digitally connected India can help in improving social and economic condition of
people through development of non-agricultural economic activities apart from providing
access to education, health and financial services. However, it is important to note that ICT
alone cannot directly lead to overall development of the nation. The overall growth and
development can be realized through supporting and enhancing elements such as literacy,
basic infrastructure, overall business environment, regulatory environment, etc.
The vision of digital India is grand. It is a huge step towards building a truly
empowered nation. If successful, it transforms citizen access to multimedia information,
content and services.
REFERENCES
 Prakash, Amit. "Digital India needs to go local". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 February
2017.
 Mannathukkaren, Nissim. "The grand delusion of Digital India". The Hindu.
Retrieved 26 February 2017.
 Govt will soon make Aadhaar-driving licence linking mandatory: Mr. Ravi Shankar
Prasad, Indian Express, 7 Jan 2019.
 "The Internet and Mobile Association of India". www.iamai.in. Archived from the
original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
 DNA Webdesk (28 September 2015), Here's what you need to know about the Digital
India initiative, Mumbai: Daily News and Analysis
 "Government School in Remote Bandahalli Village Gets Inspired by make in India",
The New Indian Express, 15 March 2016
 "About Bharat Broadband Network Limited", Bharat Broadband Network Limited
 Jones, Claire. "India's payments revolution". Retrieved 16 December 2019.

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