10 YEARS OF DIGITAL INDIA: A DECADE MARKS A NEW ERA OF DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT

10 YEARS OF DIGITAL INDIA: A DECADE MARKS A NEW ERA OF DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT

23-JULY-ENG 19

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------Today is an important historical occasion for India, as we celebrate the completion of 10 glorious years of the Digital India initiative. Ten years ago, this program, which started as a visionary initiative, was launched with the aim of transforming the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. A decade later, we are witness to a transformational journey that has reached every corner of the country, positively impacting the lives of countless Indians, and ushered in a new era of digital empowerment. These things have been said by the Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi, while tweeting on the x social platform.

One of the biggest successes of Digital India is the unprecedented revolution in the field of digital payments. With the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians and the tireless efforts of the government, India has created world records in digital transactions. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completely changed the way payments are made, making it fast, secure and accessible. From the smallest shopkeeper to large businesses, everyone is

now adopting digital payments, thereby boosting financial inclusion and reducing dependence on cash.

The impact of Digital India has not been limited to the financial sector. It has also brought tremendous changes in important sectors like health and education. Initiatives like e-Sanjeevani have made access to health services easier for people, while the DIKSHA platform has made education more accessible and inclusive. Online learning platforms and digital content have empowered both students and teachers, especially during the pandemic when digital education was the only option.

This has not just been a government initiative but has become a people's movement. Services like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and Umang have empowered citizens, making access to government services easier and reducing corruption. Expansion of internet connectivity in rural areas and digital literacy programs have helped bridge the digital divide, allowing people living in remote areas to join the mainstream.

In these ten years, Digital India has not only brought technological advancements, but it has also improved the lives of citizens, making them feel more connected, informed and empowered. This journey lays a strong foundation for India's digital future, and will have even bigger impacts in the times to come. This is truly a glimpse of the transformation and scale that Digital India has achieved.