Current Affairs 2023 – Current Affairs for January 2023
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure | Economic Survey – 2023
The Finance Minister of India concluded the Economic Survey 2023 by stressing on the importance of developing the country’s digital public infrastructure and in her Economic Survey 2023 speech she emphasized on a digital connect between The Government and The People of the country. The finance minister said that in the last few years, the crisis looming around the world like the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic across the world, the birth of new challenges like Russia-Ukraine war, threat posed by climate change, rising external debt crisis and increasing cost of living. The menace of cost has affected the lives of the general public. These challenges have affected our society as well. Although the policy makers have done some lip service to show that the situation has emerged, but in reality of the situation is still not normal. Please stay tuned with the blog to know more details.
Digital Public Infrastructure – The Key to Innovation and Growth to 21st century
The understanding and design a reliable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the key aspect for the government to ensure and how to meet their people’s development to achieve the goals from which the government can transform the ways to connect the work which is introduced for the public and the government must ensure that how the government help the society in the situation of major global challenges like pandemic or other financial hazards. Here is a question that what does dependable DPI look like and how can the policy makers use DPI to promote innovation in their countries?
If we say that from the last few years India is become a global leader in developing and implementing the Digital Public Infrastructure by using it to the widespread adoption of digital payments, data-sharing infrastructures, and growing its e-commerce sector in India. These innovations in the field of digitalization and e-commerce have boosted the opportunity for domestic businesses and entrepreneurship in the country. It is very true that If the implementation of DPI is correctly than DPI has the potential to catalyze innovation and unlock market bottlenecks in all regions of the world.
The power of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has been determine that how carefully design it to provide transformational solutions. The potential of DPI is to contribute the positive change in the world, which has become now a major focus of India’s G20 leadership. The DPI initiative, also known as The India Stack. In India DPI is a collection of digital platforms such as Aadhaar, Digital Locker, Digi-Yatra, UPI, and other digital technologies that have been developed through the collaboration between different entities, including the government or the regulators, the private sector companies, the volunteers, the new born startups, educational and technical institutions of India. The main goal of the government of India from the implementation of DPI is to provide a seamless and efficient way for citizens to access government services and promote inclusive development.
What are the initiatives taken by the Government of India related to Digital Public Infrastructure ?
Following are the Initiatives taken by the Government of India for the development of Digital Public Infrastructure in India –
Issuance of Aadhaar –
The government of India initiated to launch the Aadhaar issuing program. The Aadhaar is a unique identification system which provides a 12-digit identification number to every resident of Indian. The idea of issuing aadhaar is the creation a digital identity of every citizen of the country which is ready to use to authenticate individuals for various services including financial services also.
Facility of DigiLocker -
The DigiLocker is the unique program launched by the Govt of India for every citizen of India. Digilocker is a digital locker that enables by all the Indian citizens to store and share their documents online. The Digilocker provides a secure and convenient way to store and access important documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, Driving license and educational certificates etc.
The platform Digilocker provides a secure and cloud-based repository for all these documents, which can be accessed from anytime and anywhere to shared with any of the government agencies or other entities when ever required and are acceptable.
Beginning of DigiYatra portal Facility –
DigiYatra portal is a digital initiative launched by the Indian government to provide a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for the passengers travel by air. The initiative of DigiYatra portal is launched by the Govt of India with the aim to minimize the physical contact by leverage the digital technologies.
The DigiYatra provides a contactless travel experience to passengers. Under DigiYatra, passengers can pre-register themselves using their Aadhaar or Passport to avail a range of digital services such as self-bag drop, e-boarding pass, biometric verification, and self-identification at check-in and security points.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) –
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is the technology used and operate by the mobile only. The technology of UPI enable the user to do all their banking needs like as the instant fund transfer between bank accounts of self or in the way to bill payment. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed the digital payment landscape in India and has facilitated the adoption of digital payments across the country.
BharatNet Program -
The program BharatNet is launched by the government of India with the aim to connect all villages in India with high-speed internet connectivity. BharatNet is a crucial initiative of the government with the aim to work as the bridge the digital differences of the country and provide all the benefits of digital infrastructure to the rural parts of India also.
Launch of AarogyaSetu app -
AarogyaSetu is a mobile application launched by the Government of India in April 2020 as a part of its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The app AarogyaSetu was designed to help users to assess their risk of contracting COVID-19 based on their interaction with other individuals and provide information on COVID-19 related health services.
AarogyaSetu app was also able to provide the information to their users to the updates of the real-time number of COVID-19 affected cases in their area. The AarigyaSeyu app also capable to provide alerts to their users whether they are not so close proximity to someone who has been tested positive with the covid-19.
Introduction of CoWIN app -
The platform CoWIN app was launched by the government of India in January 2021 as a part of India’s vaccination drive against COVID-19. CoWIN app is an online platform developed by the Government of India to facilitate a hassle free initiative for the program of booking the registration and scheduling for the vaccination of the COVID-19 for all citizen of India.
The portal of CoWIN allowed the people to register themselves for the COVID-19 vaccination, find the location of vaccination, information of the charges for vaccination or free vaccination and schedule an appointment at a vaccination centre.
The platform CoWIN allows the people to search the vaccination centres based on their preferred location and availability of the vaccine. The CoWIN portal also provides centre wise information for the types of vaccines available.
Introduce of UMANG app mobile partal –
The full form of UMANG is Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance. The government try to envisaged to make through the mobile first for avail the e-governance facility through the UMANG app. The portal of UMANG app is developed by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and National e-Governance Division (NeGD). ——————-To Read in Details Press Here—–
Launch of myScheme portal –
The key word of myScheme portal is “one-stop search and discovery of government schemes”. The myScheme portal was dedicated to the nation on July 4, 2022 by the government of India. The myScheme platform aims to serve as a Schemes Marketplace providing a one-stop search and discovery platform for government schemes. The goal of the platform is to deliver government schemes in a seamless, convenient, cashless, paperless, faceless, time-bound, and transparent manner service delivery across government departments.———-To Read in Details Press Here—–
These are some of the the important digital platforms which can be used by any of the citizen of India without any discrimination of caste, color, religion or gender. Now the question arise that is there any steps taken by the government of India in the field of data protection used under digital public platforms ? Let’s discuss some of the initiatives taken by the government of India for Data Protection for Digital Public Infrastructure as under –
Aadhaar Act, 2016 –
The initiative to introduce the aadhaar in the country by the government of India is backed by the Aadhaar Act 2016. Which provides a legal framework for the Aadhaar program and sets out provisions of security related to collection, storage, and use of personal data. The act also authorize to establish the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as the central authority responsible for managing the Aadhaar program.
Protection of Personal Data Bill 2019 –
The Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 is introduced with the aim to build confidences in the public for use and storage of their personal data. The importance feel by the GOI in concern to maintain privacy of personal data and also establish a framework for the processing and transfer of the data and also establish a Data Protection Authority of India is one of the step to oversee and enforce data protection regulations.
National Cyber Security Policy 2013 –
When the Government of India wanted to start digitization in India, then the government had a forecast of the birth of cyber crimes and their conspiracies, that is why the government brought the National Cyber Security Policy 2013. The National Cyber Security Policy 2013 provides a framework for the protection of critical information infrastructure and prevention of cyber attacks.
Establish of the Cyber Swachhta Kendra –
The Cyber Swachhta Kendra is also known as the Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre. The CSK is a part of the Government’s initiative for Digital India. The work of CSK is the cleaning of data and create a secure cyber space by detecting botnet infections in India’s internet space. The CSK is undertaken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The CSK creating secure system for end users so as to prevent further infections pf malware in the country.
The CSK is being operated by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) for analyzing BOTs/malware characteristics and providing information to the citizens for removal of malware. In addition the CSK is also strive to create awareness among citizens to secure their data, computers, mobile phones and devices such as home routers.
The above mentioned work done by the government for digitalization in the country with maximum precaution and law boundation the digitalization going forward but let us discuss What should be the way to take forward the digitalization?
The provision of more strengthen for Cyber security -
As the government already invested their efforts to provide strengthen to the cyber security but the law breakers are one step ahead thus the Government needs to more investment in cybersecurity measures to protect digital systems from unexpected cyber threats. As per the expert in the field of cyber security suggested that the government has to make more investment for developing the robust security protocols and implementing regular audits to identify vulnerabilities in the Cyber security and it can be strengthened by building a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to combat cyber threats, including laws on data protection, cybercrime, and information security also.
Make more provisions for the expantion of the Digital Infrastructure in the country –
There is a need for the government to expand the digital infrastructure across the country to reach the accessibility of the digitalization for the maximum population of the country. In this provision includes improving internet connectivity, building more data centres, and providing more digital access points. Investing in emerging technologies, such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain Technology. These investments of the government can be the very much helpful for expanding the Digital Infrastructure throughout the country.
Make easy accessibily for the Digital Services -
The government must ensure that digital services are easily accessible to all citizens to make successful of the digitalization in the country. The facility made for digitalization must not compromise with their socio-economic status or geographic location. The government must work for expanding of internet connectivity to rural and remote areas by using innovative technologies of satellite broadband supply.
The government must ensure for the creation of the user-friendly digital interfaces with is compatible with the local languages or as simple as the user with low level digital literacy can also access the digital services.
Promotion of Data Protection into the public –
The government must take the public into confidences that the data store in the digital form is safe and well protected. The government must enforce strict data protection regulations to protect personal information from misuse includes establishing clear guidelines on data usage, storage, and data sharing.
Implementation of Data protection bill to regulate the collection, storage, processing, and sharing of personal data of individuals can be very much helpful in data protection.
The government must to make arrangements to encourage Digital literacy –
The dream of Digital India will be able to true when there is a large workforce of digital literate people. It is also true that the digital economy requires a workforce with the necessary digital skills. The government must ensure that the digital literacy must be started from the school level or must provide training for upskilling opportunities to create a skilled workforce.
We have already discussed above about the development and improvements made by the government for the easy and prompt accessibility the national Digital Public Infrastructure by every citizen of the country but there are some challenges to make it successful so let us discuss what can be the challenges in relation to the development of the Digital Public Infrastructure in India?
Financial challenges –
The creation of a strong national Digital Public Infrastructure requires a lots of financial support because for the process of creation and maintenance of a robust Digital Public Infrastructure is recurring type of investment in nature. our government may face budget constraints in funding these projects because the priorities of our government is different. Additionally the financing models that support the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure may be difficult to establish.
Legal challenges –
It is important for the creation of strong national Digital Public Infrastructure there must be a strong and efficient legal process of the nation. In this process our government must have to changes into the existing legal frameworks and make it enable the sharing of data and provision of digital services. The government must have to alter the complexed legal issues in relation to data protection, intellectual property rights, and liability for data breaches activities.
Political challenges –
For the development and implementation of the National Digital Public Infrastructure it is important to must have required a significant political will and support because it often involves a substantial investments of the public funds. The governments may face the challenges in securing the necessary resources and gaining public buy-in for such initiatives specially in decocratic countries like our’s.
Challenges for the data security and maintain of privacy –
This is important task for the government to maintain security of the data shared in Digital Public Infrastructure network because it is a sensitive matter which involves the collection, storage, and use of large amounts of sensitive data and which also increases the risk of security and privacy breaches. Governments must ensure that the infrastructure is designed and implemented with strong privacy and security measures to protect citizens’ information and trust.
Challenge for the division of public into two sections –
There is a great risk in front of the government that the introduction of services provided digitally under Digital Public Infrastructure could be the cause to widen the difference in the society, as the class of the people those who do not have access to the digital technologies or other one is the class who are easily access the digital technology. Resulted the section who can access the digital technology will always be ahead to get the benefit from the services digitally provided. In this case the Governments must ensure that the infrastructure is made accessible to all citizens whether the people belongs to any of the area of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the idea behind issuing Aadhaar?
The purpose behind issuing Aadhaar was to create a digital identity of every citizen of the country.
How many digits are there in the base number?
Each base number has twelve digits.
What do you understand by DigiLocker?
DigiLocker is a digital locker provided by the Government of India where any Indian citizen can store their documents.
What was the purpose of starting the DigiYatra portal?
The DigiYatra portal was launched to provide a hassle-free and hand free travel experience to passengers traveling by air.
What is the full form of UPI?
The full form of UPI is Unified Payments Interface.
What was the objective behind introducing the concept of UPI?
The purpose of introducing UPI was to provide all banking services on mobile to all citizens of India.
What was the reason to start BhartNet program in the country ?
The reason behind to start the BhartNet was to provide high speed internet facility to any of the remote village.
When was the Arogyasetu portal launched ?
The Arogyasetu portal was launched in April 2020.
What was the reason behind to launch the Arogyasetu app ?
The reason behind to launch the Arogyasetu app was to check to spread to covid-19 virus in the society.
When was the CoWin app launched ?
CoWin app was launched on January 2021.
What was reason to launch the CoWin app ?
The reason behind to launch the CoWin app was the smooth functioning of the vaccination of covid-19 in the country.
What is the reason to develop UMANG app website?
The main aim to develop the UMANG app is to provide a single platform for all the Indian Citizens to access pan India e-Gov services ranging from Central to Local Government bodies.
What are the benefits of availed from the UMANG app portal?
The UMANG App can be used to book cylinders online of HP Gas, Bharat Gas and Indane Gas and request for refills, to get subsidies, mechanic services, surrender connections, etc and the pensioners can also avail services offered by the Department of Pension & Pensioner’s Welfares.
What are the objectives to introduce of the UMANG app?
The main object to introduce the UMANG app is to enable ‘Ease of Living’ for Citizens by providing easy access to a plethora of Indian government services in the field of Healthcare, Finance, Education, Housing, Energy, Agriculture, Transport, Employment and Skills.
How many services are available in UMANG app portal?
UMANG app portal has been targeted to provide 200 applications with approximately 1200 services by December 2019.
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