Model Answer
Introduction
Government has been focusing on digitalisation of Indian economy for accelerated socio-economic development. Government has launched Digital India to accelerate India’s digitalisation.
Body
Status of digitalisation:
- Access to cheap high speed internet services (4G) through mobile telephony. (Over 84 crores)
- Aadhar forms the basis unique identity for citizens (over 99% people have)
- Shareable private space on a public cloud (Citizens can digitally store their documents, certificates etc.)
- Emergence of Digital Public Infrastructure which enabled access to government services digitally
- UPI platform for digitally and safe payments among different platforms.
- OCEN Platform and Account Aggregators platform for easier credit disbursement to citizens and businesses.
- GST platform for digital assessment and filing of tax returns.
- UMANG Platform enables citizens to access e-government services of both Central and State governments.
- ONDC platform has been initiated for democratisation of e-commerce sector.
- OpenForge platform for open collaborative software development.
- Concerns with India’s digitalisation
- Digital divide to the detriment of rural areas, vulnerable language and less educated.
- Lack of implementation of digital data protection law in India.
- Concerns with cyber security and cyber frauds
- Lack of access to broadband
- Lack of domestic semiconductor industry in India and dependence on imports.
Conclusion
- Suggestions for boosting India’s digitalisation
- Invest in expanding digital infrastructure across the country.
- Implement nationwide digital literacy programs.
- Strengthen cybersecurity measures and awareness campaigns to protect users from online threats.
- Encourage the growth of start-ups.
- Promote digital payment solutions tailored to diverse user groups.
- Collaborate with private sector companies to drive digitalization initiatives
