“INDIA’S URGENT NEED FOR SHOCK-PROOF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE”

Why in the news?

  • On July 19, a software glitch caused widespread disruptions across supermarkets, banks, hospitals, and airports.
  • The downtime affected global communication networks and highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected systems.
source:researchgate

About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) :

  • Definition: Blocks for digital ID, payment infrastructure, and data exchange to enable digital inclusion.
  • Ecosystem: Manages people (ID system), money (payment system), and data (consent-based sharing).
  • IndiaStack: APIs enabling digital services; includes Aadhaar, UPI, and Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA) for secure data sharing.
Key Indian Government Digital Initiatives:

  • NOFN & Digital India: Expand internet access and communications infrastructure.
  • Broadband Mission & Data Centre Policy: Enhance data centres and telecom infrastructure.
  • Rural & Regional Initiatives: BharatNet, Telecom Development Plan, CTDP, and schemes for LWE areas.
  • e-Government Services: MyScheme, UMANG, Bhashini for accessing government services.
  • India Stack: Aadhaar Payments Bridge, UPI, DigiLocker, and Account Aggregator for digital, paperless services.
  • JAM Trinity: PMJDY, Aadhaar, and mobile connectivity drive financial inclusion and digital access.

About Digital India Initiative:

  • Launched: July 1, 2015, by the Indian Government.
  • Objectives: Bridge digital divide, promote participation, boost economic growth, enhance living standards.

Nine Pillars: Broadband, mobile connectivity, public internet access, e-governance, e-Kranti, information access, electronics manufacturing, IT jobs, early harvest programs.