A Decade of Digital Transformation
On July 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th anniversary of the Digital India initiative, celebrating a decade of transformative growth in the nation’s digital landscape. Launched in 2015, the program aimed to empower citizens through technology, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote digital literacy across India. Reflecting on the journey, PM Modi emphasized that Digital India has evolved from a government program into a “people’s movement,” touching the lives of over 140 crore Indians and positioning India as a global leader in the digital realm.
Bridging the Digital Divide
When Digital India was launched, internet penetration in India was limited, with approximately 25 crore internet connections. Today, that number has surged to over 97 crore. The country has laid over 42 lakh kilometres of optical fibre cables, connecting even the most remote villages. This extensive network has facilitated the rapid rollout of 5G services, with nearly 5 lakh base stations established in just two years, extending high-speed internet access to urban centres and remote areas alike, including strategic locations such as Galwan, Siachen, and Ladakh.
Empowering Citizens through Technology
Digital India has revolutionized the way citizens access government services. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has enabled the transfer of over ₹44 lakh crore directly to beneficiaries, eliminating intermediaries and reducing corruption. Platforms like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have facilitated over 100 billion transactions annually, making India a global leader in real-time digital payments. Additionally, initiatives like DigiLocker, CoWIN, and PM-WANI have streamlined services, making them more accessible and efficient for the public.
Promoting Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
The Digital India initiative has significantly contributed to financial inclusion. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has led to the opening of millions of bank accounts, providing financial services to previously unbanked populations. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have empowered small and medium enterprises (SMEs), artisans, and weavers by providing them direct access to government procurement and a broader market, respectively. The GeM platform alone has facilitated transactions worth over ₹1 lakh crore, with a significant portion benefiting women-led MSMEs.
Advancing Digital Governance and Infrastructure
Digital India has laid the foundation for robust digital governance. The Aadhaar system has provided unique identification to over a billion citizens, enabling efficient delivery of services. The SVAMITVA scheme has issued property cards to millions, resolving land disputes and facilitating access to credit. The India Stack, a suite of APIs, has enabled the development of various applications that provide services ranging from healthcare to education, ensuring that citizens have access to essential services at their fingertips.
Fostering Innovation and Start-ups
India’s start-up ecosystem has flourished under the Digital India initiative. The country now boasts over 1.8 lakh start-ups, ranking among the top three start-up ecosystems globally. The India AI Mission has further bolstered this growth by providing affordable access to advanced computing resources, making India a hub for artificial intelligence innovation. PM Modi highlighted that this “tech renaissance” is not just about technological advancement but also about creating solutions that are inclusive and cater to the needs of all citizens.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As India celebrates a decade of Digital India, PM Modi expressed optimism for the future, envisioning the next decade as even more transformative. He emphasized the importance of innovation, urging citizens and entrepreneurs to develop technologies that are inclusive, solve real-world problems, and contribute to the nation’s growth. The Prime Minister reiterated that Digital India is not just about technological advancement but about creating a society where technology empowers every individual, ensuring that the benefits of digital progress reach all corners of the nation.
Conclusion
The 10-year journey of Digital India stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and development. From bridging the digital divide to empowering citizens and fostering innovation, the initiative has laid a strong foundation for a digitally empowered India. As the country looks forward to the next decade, the focus remains on building upon this foundation, ensuring that technology continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change, making India a global leader in the digital age.
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