The Digital India Programme is a flagship programme of the Government of India with the vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The programme was launched on July 1, 2015 by Hon’ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Digital India Programme has nine pillars:
- Broadband Highways: To provide high-speed internet connectivity to all villages in India.
- Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity: To provide mobile connectivity to all parts of India.
- Public Internet Access Programme: To provide public internet access through Wi-Fi hotspots in all public places.
- e-Governance: To provide government services online.
- e-Kranti: To promote electronic delivery of services.
- Information for All: To provide information to citizens in electronic form.
- Electronics Manufacturing: To promote electronics manufacturing in India.
- IT for Jobs: To create jobs in the IT sector.
- Early Harvest Programmes: To implement a number of early harvest programmes to provide immediate benefits to citizens.
The Digital India Programme has made significant progress since its launch. For example, the number of internet users in India has increased from 243 million in 2015 to 847 million in 2023. The number of mobile phone users has increased from 948 million in 2015 to 1.21 billion in 2023. The number of Wi-Fi hotspots has increased from 10,000 in 2015 to over 10 million in 2023.
The Digital India Programme has had a positive impact on the lives of millions of Indians. It has made it easier for citizens to access government services, get information, and communicate with each other. It has also created new jobs and opportunities for businesses in India.
The Digital India Programme is still in progress, but it has already made significant strides in transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.