The inception of the Digital India program on July 1, 2015, marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of providing digital services to the citizens of India. This transformative initiative, spearheaded by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and approved by the Union Cabinet, has proven its resounding success since its launch. With an ambitious vision and a total allocation of ₹14,903 crores, the Digital India program is poised for expansion, promising even greater advancements in the digital landscape.
The recent decision by the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to enhance and amplify the Digital India program is a monumental step forward. The infusion of resources amounting to ₹14,903 crores will fortify the program's capacity to empower citizens through digital mediums, while simultaneously elevating India's stature in the digital realm. This expansion sets the stage for multifaceted growth, aiming to bridge gaps, enhance skillsets, and foster innovation.
At the core of this expansion lies a commitment to human capital development. A prime facet of this endeavor is the FutureSkills Prime Programme, which aspires to re-skill and up-skill 6.25 lakh IT professionals. This initiative is poised to revitalize the digital workforce, equipping it with the latest competencies to thrive in the ever-evolving technological landscape. Simultaneously, the Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme is projected to train 2.65 lakh individuals in information security, reinforcing the nation's resilience against digital threats.
The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app/platform is set to undergo a remarkable transformation. With an augmentation of 540 services, the total number of available services on UMANG will soar to new heights, exceeding the present count of 1,700 services. This expansion underscores the government's unwavering commitment to offer a comprehensive range of services through a user-friendly digital interface.
The augmentation of the National Super Computer Mission stands as another pillar of progress within the Digital India program. Building upon the existing deployment of 18 supercomputers, the addition of 9 more supercomputers will propel India's computational capabilities. This expansion holds the potential to revolutionize research, innovation, and problem-solving across diverse domains.
A remarkable manifestation of technological innovation within the Digital India program is the AI-enabled multi-language translation tool, Bhashini. Expanding its reach beyond the current 10 languages, Bhashini is poised to cater to all 22 schedule 8 languages. This development promises to dissolve linguistic barriers and facilitate seamless communication across the nation.
In the sphere of education, the modernization of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) takes center stage. With a network connecting 1,787 educational institutions, this modernization initiative will foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary research, propelling India's academic landscape into the digital age.
The horizon of digital services extends further with the extension of the Digital document verification facility under DigiLocker to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other organizations. This expansion is set to simplify document management, expedite processes, and enhance operational efficiency.
In a bid to nurture innovation, the Digital India program is poised to support 1,200 startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This initiative has the potential to ignite local economies, drive job creation, and incubate disruptive solutions to address pressing challenges.
In the realm of cutting-edge technology, the establishment of three Centers of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence focusing on health, agriculture, and sustainable cities is a testament to India's commitment to harness AI for the betterment of society. These centers are primed to incubate solutions that can revolutionize healthcare, enhance agricultural productivity, and optimize urban living.
Recognizing the imperative of cybersecurity, the Digital India program extends its protection to college students through cyber-awareness courses. This initiative is projected to benefit 12 crore college students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
The commitment to cybersecurity is further underscored by the introduction of new initiatives, including the development of tools and the integration of more than 200 sites with the National Cyber Coordination Centre. These measures are designed to bolster the nation's resilience against cyber threats and enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure.
In summation, the announcement heralding the expansion of the Digital India program marks a watershed moment in India's journey towards a digital future. With a multi-faceted approach that encompasses skill development, service expansion, and technological innovation, this initiative is poised to invigorate India's digital economy, extend digital access to a wider populace, and bolster the nation's prowess in the realm of IT and electronics. As India strides confidently into this digital age, the Digital India program stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to harness technology for the greater good of its citizens and society at large.