Expansion of the Digital India Programme

August 17, 2023

The Digital India programme, launched in 2015 for digital service delivery, is set to expand with a budget of ₹14,903 crores. The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved this expansion, aiming to enhance India’s digital landscape.

The initiatives include re-skilling 6.25 lakh IT professionals under FutureSkills Prime Programme, training 2.65 lakh individuals in information security, adding 540 services to the Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG), deploying 9 additional supercomputers, introducing AI-enabled translation in 22 languages, modernizing the National Knowledge Network, extending Digital Document Verification to MSMEs, supporting 1,200 startups, establishing Centers of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, and enhancing cyber awareness among 12 crore college students.

What is the Digital India programme, and why was it launched?

Digital India, initiated in 2015, aims to provide digital services to citizens. It intends to transform India into a digitally empowered society by improving access to technology and services, facilitating governance, and enhancing digital literacy.

What is the objective of expanding the Digital India programme?

The expansion seeks to bolster India’s digital ecosystem. It focuses on upskilling IT professionals, strengthening cybersecurity, widening digital access to services, and promoting innovation through startups and AI excellence centers.

How does the expansion address the skill gap in the IT sector?

The FutureSkills Prime Programme plans to re-skill and up-skill 6.25 lakh IT professionals. By offering training in emerging technologies, it addresses the evolving needs of the IT industry and enhances employability.

What role does AI play in the expansion of the programme?

The expansion integrates AI-enabled solutions. Bhashini, a multi-language translation tool, will be available in 22 languages, facilitating communication. AI is also set to power Centers of Excellence in AI for healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities.

How does the expansion promote cybersecurity and awareness?

The initiatives include training 2.65 lakh individuals in information security, enhancing cyber awareness for 12 crore college students, and developing tools to strengthen cybersecurity. Integration of sites with the National Cyber Coordination Centre is also planned.

What impact will the expansion have on India’s digital economy and technology ecosystem?

The expansion is expected to invigorate India’s digital economy by fostering tech-driven services. It will boost digital access, encourage startups in Tier 2/3 cities, support AI excellence centers, and modernize educational networks.

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