The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, has been a transformative force in India, aiming to bridge the gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" by leveraging technology for inclusive growth. As the initiative celebrates 10 years in 2025, it's clear that Digital India has evolved into more than just a government program; it has become a people's movement.
Building a Robust Digital Infrastructure
The foundation of Digital India lies in establishing a strong digital infrastructure to ensure ease of living for all citizens. Significant strides have been made in expanding internet connectivity, even in remote areas. Internet connections have increased from 25.15 crore in 2014 to 96.96 crore in 2024. Furthermore, the cost of data has drastically reduced, making the internet more accessible. The BharatNet project has connected 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats with high-speed internet, aiming to provide affordable access to every গ্রাম পঞ্চায়েত in the country and bridge the urban-rural divide. As of October 2024, there were nearly 25 lakh 4G base transceiver stations spread across 783 districts. India has also witnessed the fastest rollout of 5G services, with 4.74 lakh towers installed, covering 99.6% of districts.
Empowering Citizens through Digital Access
Digital India aims to empower citizens by providing access to government services, healthcare, education, and banking facilities online. The UMANG app, for example, empowers over 50 million users with access to over 1700 government services. DigiLocker provides secure document management and has 53.92 crore users. Aadhaar, the unique digital identity program, has empowered millions with access to essential services and financial inclusion. The initiative has also facilitated transformative initiatives like e-Sanjeevani, a national telemedicine service, and the U-WIN portal, which digitalizes vaccination records. The CoWIN portal supported India's COVID-19 vaccination drive, issuing 220 crore QR-verifiable certificates.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Despite the progress, challenges remain in bridging the digital divide. Only around 34% of Indian schools have internet access, and less than 50% have functional computers. Factors such as income, geography, culture, and gender influence this divide. To address this, the government is focusing on digital literacy programs, particularly in rural communities. The Pradhan Mantri Grameen Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDisha) has trained and certified over 50 million individuals in digital skills. Common Service Centres (CSCs), with a significant presence in rural areas, play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing access to various digital services.
Economic Transformation and Innovation
Digital India has significantly impacted the Indian economy, with the digital economy contributing 11.74% to the GDP in 2022-23 and projected to reach 13.42% in 2024-25. UPI has revolutionized the digital payment landscape, recording 1,867.7 crore transactions worth ₹24.77 lakh crore in April 2025. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has enabled the direct transfer of over ₹44 lakh crore to citizens, cutting out middlemen and saving ₹3.48 lakh crore in leakages. Initiatives like GeM and ONDC are empowering MSMEs and connecting sellers to customers nationwide. India is now recognized as a leading startup hub, with over 1.8 lakh startups.
Looking Ahead
The Digital India program has made significant strides in using technology to bridge the gap between the "haves" and "have-nots". The focus is now on moving from digital governance to global digital leadership. This includes promoting innovation in areas like AI and ensuring responsible and inclusive AI development. By continuing to invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and foster innovation, India can ensure that the benefits of technology reach all its citizens, creating a more equitable and prosperous society.
