Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 20 INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY: MILESTONES August 15, 2025 PHOTO:mygov.in PHOTO:digitalindia.gov.in PHOTO:digitalindia.gov.in Commentary- Digital From India: Leapfrogging Development Through Text-Enabled Citizen-Centric Governance A t the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit hosted virtually by Prime Minister Shri Nar- endra Modi on 17th November 2023, one key focus area was on, “Sustain the momentum of exchange and sharing of ideas and best practices between member countries…” At the 3rd Summit also hosted by the Indian PM on 17th August 2024, there was focus on, “…challenges of new technologies and need for South-South Cooperation co-operation for technol- ogy transfers…”. Of the four-fold Global Compact put forward by PMModi one is on technology sharing. Thus, it is clear, that as a responsible voice of the Global South, India is willing to share its knowledge and expertise acquired in governance and other fields, which acceler- ate development, and is also keen to learn from other nations. India’s journey in leapfrogging development through tech-enabled citizen-centric governance has been noth- ing short of transformative. Key milestones in India’s digital governance experience have been: Digital India Initiative – the flagship programme of the Government of India, launched in 2015, with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy; Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – platforms like Aad- haar (over one billion citizens with a unique digital identity), UPI (with over 18 billion transactions in June 2025), DigiLocker (eliminating the need for physical documents) and e-Sign, have revolutionized service delivery; Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) – India became the first country to use DBT at scale, reducing corruption and ensuring timely delivery of welfare benefits; and AI Integration in Governance – from grievance redressal systems to predictive analytics in healthcare and agri- culture, AI is helping tailor services to citizen needs. Institutional support and strategic vision to India’s Digital Governance is provided by the Digital India Corporation (DIC), under the Ministry of Electron- ics and Information Technology (MeitY), the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the National Institute of Smart Governance (NISG) and a Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM). The DIC is responsible for establishing the National e-Governance in Accountability, Efficiency, Efficacy and Transparency, to promote digital literacy, accessibility, and inclusion, to develop and empower skilled man- power, to guide ministries/departments in enhancing accessibility and efficiency in public service delivery, and to support the MeitY in all its endeavours. The NIC integrates emerging technologies like AI, blockchain and data analytics into governance frame- works. The NISG acts as a strategic partner in implement- ing digital transformation across central ministries and states, including international collaboration with Global South nations. DBIM standardizes government websites and appli- cations for a unified citizen-friendly experience. IMPACT ON GOVERNANCE AND SOCIETY In terms of Transparency and Accountability, E-gov- ernance platforms have reduced bureaucratic opacity and increased public trust. In terms of Efficiency and Accessibility, public ser- vices are now available 24/7, with reduced paperwork and faster processing times. In terms of Inclusivity, AI-driven tools and multilin- gual platforms ensure services reach marginal commu- nities. In terms of environmental benefits, the digital pro- cesses have led to paperless offices and reduced carbon footprints. Some of the Programmes and Applications which are noteworthy and have received industry-based awards are: MyGov.in – a platform to share inputs and ideas on matters of policy and governance, engaging citizens in governance through a “Discuss”, “Do” and “Dissemi- nate” approach POSHAN Tracker – a mobile-based application used by Anganwadi workers to provide real-time data on the delivery of nutrition and childcare services DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Shar- ing) is a national platform for school education AYUSH Information Hub (AIH) has been set up to dis- seminate all authentic and verified information related to Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa- Rigpa and Homoeopathy UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance), for accessing over 1200 central and state government services in multiple languages, including services such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Bharat Bill Pay- ment System, PAN EPFO, PMKVY, AICTE, CBSE, etc, National AI Portal [INDIAai] (https://indiaai.gov.in ), is the constant and dynamic source of knowledge on AI related topics Chic-CAD Plus, is an open-source software used by artisans in making 2D designs like embroidery, chikan- kari, painting work, etc,. The Digital India Campaign supports other Government of India schemes such as: BharatNet – provides broadband connectivity to unserved regions Make in India – to produce in India for the country and the world Startup India – aimed at fostering innovation, sup- porting entrepreneurs and building a robust ecosystem Industrial Corridors – being developed along new railway and road alignments Bharatmala – to enhance road connectivity and improve freight and passenger movement through de- velopment of highways and economic corridors Sagarmala – port-led development modernising ports, promoting coastal shipping and boosting mari- time activities Atmanirbhar Bharat, whose aim is to make the country and its citizens independent and self-reliant in all senses. Its five pillars are Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand DEVELOPED IN INDIA – SHARED WITH THE WORLD India ranks high in digital competitiveness among G-20 nations, though challenges remain in data security, cybersecurity and digital literacy. India’s model is now being replicated globally, with the India Stack serving as a blueprint for digital governance in other developing countries. UPI system is operational in Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore and France. It is at various stages of integration in Qatar, Cyprus, Malaysia, Thai- land, UK, Oman and Maldives. On 9th July 2025, during PM’s Visit, Namibia became the first country globally to sign a licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology. On 4th July 2025, during his meeting with his counterpart, PMModi congratulated Trinidad & Tobago on becoming the first Caribbean country to adopt UPI. Several African nations, Cambodia and the Philip- pines are keen on replicating India’s DPI deployment and India Stack and are availing of capacity building programmes offered by GOI. DPI, UPI, AI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, e-Sign, and other digital governance tools have been the subject of discus- sion and dialogue at the highest levels with countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, including Singa- pore, France, Cyprus, Ghana, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Cuba, Argentina, Namibia, BIMSTEC partners, and Central Asian countries. India is committed to sharing its experience and expertise with its global partners, on using technology for governance and growth. India is also keen to learn and assimilate the positive experi- ence of friendly nations in the development of technology, for the welfare and prosperity of its people. By Ambassador Debnath Shaw PHOTO:Screenshotfrom @Eversunshinegroup.com MyGov is part of Digital India Corporation, a Section 8 company under Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India.