Narendra Modi on Digital India
Narendra Modi views Digital India as a transformative national mission aimed at making digital infrastructure a utility to every citizen. His position emphasizes leveraging technology to revolutionize governance, delivering government services electronically, and ensuring digital literacy across the nation. This initiative is central to his broader strategy of modernizing India and fostering an inclusive, knowledge-based economy.
Modi has consistently promoted the program since taking office in 2014, linking it to economic growth and reduced corruption through transparency. He champions the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure, especially into rural areas, which he sees as crucial for bridging the urban-rural divide. The focus is not just on infrastructure, but also on boosting the domestic manufacturing of electronic goods.
Overall, Modi's stance is one of vigorous support, positioning digital transformation as essential for achieving his vision for a 'New India'. His administration has taken concrete actions to push forward this agenda across various sectors of governance and public life. The emphasis remains on making technology accessible and functional for the common person.
Context
The Digital India initiative is one of the flagship programmes of Narendra Modi's government, launched early in his first term as Prime Minister. It serves as the technological backbone for several other governance reforms, linking directly to his emphasis on 'minimum government, maximum governance'. The program is seen as vital for achieving the vision of a more transparent, efficient, and empowered nation.
Actions Taken
- Programme LaunchLaunched the Digital India programme with the primary goals of ensuring government services are available electronically, building high-speed Internet infrastructure for rural areas, promoting domestic electronic goods manufacturing, and boosting digital literacy.
Criticism
The implementation and reach of Digital India have faced criticism regarding the persistent digital divide and challenges in ensuring effective use of digital services in deeply rural or underserved areas.
What Others Say
The government's efforts in digital services and connectivity under Digital India have generally been welcomed by the tech industry and many citizens for increasing ease of access.
Sources2
- Modi launched the Digital India programme with the goal of ensuring government services are available electronically, build infrastructure to provide high-speed Internet access to rural areas, boost manufacturing of electronic goods in the country, and promote digital literacy.
- Modi's foreign policy, similarly to that of the preceding Congress government, focused on improving economic ties, security and regional relations. Modi continued Manmohan Singh's policy of "multi-alignment". The Modi administration tried to attract foreign investment in the Indian economy from several sources, especially East Asia, with the use of slogans such as "Make in India" and "Digital India".
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.