• UGI USER
  • Oct 28, 2023
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Q. What do you understand by the term digital public infrastructure? Examine how it holds the key for the future of the Indian economy?

Structure of Answer

Introduction

  • Define Digital public infrastructure (DPI)
  • Explain briefly its types

Body

  • Explain how DPI holds key to Indian Economy
  • Mention government initiatives and schemes

Conclusion

  • Mention relevance of DPI for Indian Economy, it is not just a supporting pillar, it is the key to unlocking India’s future economic potential.

Answer:

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is a set of digital assets and services that are developed, maintained, and operated by the government for the benefit of the public. DPI has 2 categories:

  1. Core DPI: Digital essentials like Aadhaar, UPI, Digilocker, GeM, and India Stack are the foundation of identity, payments, and services.
  2. Enabler DPI: Infrastructure such as NeGCloud, BharatNet, ONDC, AI for India, and Startup India supports innovation and technology-driven solutions.

DPI holds the key for the future of the Indian economy

  • Promotes Financial Inclusion: DPI, exemplified by India’s Aadhaar, empowers marginalized groups, enabling access to essential financial services like bank accounts.
  • Boosts Productivity and Innovation: DPI, like India’s NeGCloud, fosters innovation through broadband networks and cloud computing, enhancing business productivity.
  • Attracts Foreign Investment and Creates Jobs: A robust digital infrastructure, as seen in India’s Startup India, attracts foreign investment and generates employment opportunities, including in software development and digital marketing.
  • Improves the Delivery of Government Services: DPI, such as India’s Digilocker, enhances government service accessibility, efficiency, and transparency while reducing fraud.
  • Enhances Transparency and Accountability: DPI, including India’s Open Government Platform, facilitates transparency in government activities and procurement, reducing corruption.
  • Empowers Citizens: DPI, like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in India, empowers citizens by providing access to valuable information and services.
  • Reduces Poverty and Inequality: DPI, with examples like Aadhaar and UPI in India, reduces poverty and inequality through affordable digital payments and online education.
  • Improves Education and Healthcare: DPI supports accessible and affordable education through platforms like India’s e-VidyaBharati and enhances healthcare with telemedicine services like eSanjeevani.
  • Promotes Rural Development: DPI initiatives such as India’s BharatNet project promote rural development by providing digital services to rural communities, fostering education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.

Digital Public Infrastructure is not just a supporting pillar; it is the key to unlocking India’s future economic potential. With its focus on digital inclusion, efficient governance, innovation, DPI forms the foundation upon which India can build a thriving, digitally inclusive, and globally competitive economy.