How quickly is India progressing in its digitization journey

Post demonetisation move, the government has taken several initiatives emphasis on digitisation and bringing in greater transparency in economic transactions.

Narendra Modi had launched 'Digital India' programme in an order to create transparent and responsive government. With this launch, the government took a big step towards the transforming the country into a digitally empowered knowledge economy.

By the end of 2019, the project is aiming to provide high speed internet services to its citizens in all gram panchayats. Bank accounts will be given priority at individual level. People will be provided with safe and secure cyber space in the country. Government services will be available online where citizens will be ensured easy access to it. Transactions will be made easy through electronic medium.

The programme will also generate huge number of IT, Telecom and Electronics jobs. The government is focusing on smart energy meters, micro ATMs, mobile, consumer and medical electronics. By promoting digitisation in the rural areas like post offices, shops, banking, petrol pumps, colleges, hospitals etc will also bring the rural sector at par with the urban areas in terms of digitisation.

What has happened over the years?

Over the last one year, several initiatives have been taken for introduction of Information Technology to empower people in areas relating to health, education, labour and employment, commerce etc.

Cash usage in economy has dipped:

Recent reports suggested that Indian economy has witnessed an 'across-the-board deceleration' and moved firmly towards digitalisation. Before demonetisation, India relied heavily on cash and had cash-to-GDP ratio at 12 per cent. While, the growth this fiscal will be towards the lower end of the 6.75-7.5 per cent suggested in January-end. The factors that contributed can be linked to factors like the appreciation of the rupee, farm loan waivers and transitionary challenges from implementing GST.

Mahila Shakti Kendras to boost skill development

By setting up a digital literacy programme for women and children especially in villages through Mahila Shakti Kendras will increase the level of awareness, and knowledge of use as well as the benefits of digital payment modes in India particularly in the rural segment of the society that has been a major hindrance towards digitisation.

OneIndia News