Describing the rapid strides the country has taken in getting into the digital era, Vedika Jain says e-governance is well on its way to make it into an empowered nation. The scenario on this front has been witnessing a transformation from 2014 when a mere 14 per cent population had access to the internet. With more people gaining access to digital services, there has been a notable increase in efficiency and transparency in government processes as Modi government promotes apps and digital education.
In recent years, India has made significant strides in embracing technology and digital governance to improve the way it functions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives such as Digital India, Smart Cities, and e-governance reforms have been launched, aiming to transform India into a digitally empowered nation.
Digital India is a flagship programme launched by the Indian government in 2015 with the vision of transforming the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The programme aims to provide access to digital services to all citizens, promote digital literacy, and create a digitally enabled infrastructure.
It encompasses various projects such as BharatNet, which aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all rural areas, and Common Services Centers, which provide various government services at the grassroots level. The programme also focuses on promoting digital payments, e-governance, and digital education.
Internet reach
One of the biggest achievements of Digital India has been the rapid increase in internet penetration in the country. According to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), India had over 560 million internet users as of September 2018, making it the second-largest online market in the world.
This is a significant improvement from 2014 when only about 14 per cent of the Indian population had access to the internet. With more people gaining access to digital services, there has been a notable increase in efficiency and transparency in government processes.
In 2024, India’s internet penetration rate surpassed 52 per cent and there are over 820 million active internet users. Notably, more than half of these users, about 442 million are in rural India. In 2023, internet penetration increased by eight percent compared to the previous year.
Rural India now has more active internet users than urban areas. Although the number of inactive internet users is decreasing, about half of rural residents remain offline. On average, urban users spend slightly more time online each day than those in rural regions.
Digital governance
E-governance reforms have been another crucial aspect of the government’s efforts towards digital governance. Under Modi’s leadership, several e-governance initiatives have been implemented to improve service delivery and make government processes more accessible to citizens.
The use of technology has helped reduce the time and cost involved in obtaining government services, making it more convenient for citizens. For instance, the introduction of the Aadhaar card system has streamlined the process of identification and authentication, making it easier for citizens to access various government services.
In addition to Digital India and e-governance reforms, the Indian government has also launched the Smart Cities Mission. This initiative aims to develop 100 smart cities across the country, with a focus on sustainability and technology-driven solutions.
These cities are equipped with modern infrastructure, digital services, and efficient governance mechanisms to improve the quality of life for citizens. The Smart Cities Mission also promotes the use of technology to address urban challenges such as traffic management, waste management, and public safety.
One of the most significant impacts of the Smart Cities Mission has been the development of digital infrastructure in these cities. High-speed internet connectivity, smart grids, and digital payment systems are some of the key elements that have been integrated into these cities.
This has not only improved the quality of services but has also made these cities more attractive for investments, promoting economic growth and development.
India’s internet economy is projected to hit USD one trillion by 2030, driven mainly by e-commerce, which is expected to reach USD 325 billion and rank third globally, according to industry analysts. The previous year was pivotal for India’s e-commerce landscape, featuring significant shifts in consumer behaviour, technology, and regulations.
In 2023, a prominent corporate governance advisory firm named InGovern Research Services held a virtual roundtable to discuss key developments in India’s e-commerce sector, emphasising the crucial role of customer trust in supporting its growth and expansion. This is an indicator of the significance of e-commerce in Indian economy.
Smart apps
Another notable achievement of digital governance under Modi’s leadership has been the adoption of various mobile applications for citizen engagement and service delivery. For instance, the MyGov app allows citizens to participate in policy formulation and share their ideas and suggestions with the government.
The BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app promotes digital payments and enables citizens to make cashless transactions easily. These apps have not only made it more convenient for citizens to engage with the government but have also increased transparency in governance.
Today, in India, UPI is being used from the smallest street vendor to luxurious shops. It’s no surprise that India is a global frontrunner in digital payments. According to 2022 data, India has the highest number of digital transactions in the world, accounting for nearly 46 per cent of the global share. It is expected to be the number one country till 2028. Presently, India is followed by Brazil, China, Thailand, and South Korea in terms of digital transactions.
While there have been significant achievements in digital governance under Modi’s leadership, there have also been challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main concerns is ensuring data security and privacy in a digital ecosystem. Another challenge is ensuring digital literacy and access to technology for all citizens, especially in rural areas. As digital services expand, safeguarding against cyber threats becomes paramount.
Technology and digital governance have played a crucial role in shaping India’s future under Modi’s leadership. The various initiatives such as Digital India, e-governance reforms, and Smart Cities have not only improved efficiency and transparency in governance but have also promoted economic growth and development.
There are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that the benefits of technology reach all citizens and contribute to India’s overall progress. With the right policies and a continued focus on harnessing the power of technology, India can truly transform into a digitally empowered nation.
Bridging the digital divide
The Common Service Centers (CSCs) act as digital hubs, providing various government services to citizens. CSCs offer services like Aadhaar enrolment, utility bill payments, and online forms submission which have significantly boosted India’s digital footprint.
India’s mobile revolution has played a crucial role in ensuring connectivity and has democratised internet access, enabling millions to come online. The digital literacy campaign has focussed on ensuring that citizens could navigate online platforms effectively.
The challenges posed by rapid urbanisation such as traffic congestion, waste management, and environmental degradation have been taken into consideration in the Smart City Mission with a futuristic approach.
Smart cities are investing in robust infrastructure, including smart grids, efficient transportation systems, and waste management. Cities are collecting data on traffic patterns, energy consumption, and citizen behaviour to optimise services.
Platforms like MyGov are facilitating citizen participation in governance, allowing them to voice concerns and suggest improvements. Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Surat are notable examples of cities adopting smart solutions.
Through e-Governance portals, services like passport applications, income tax filings, and land records have moved online, reducing paperwork and processing time. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital payments, making transactions seamless.
The government has harnessed data analytics for evidence-based policymaking. Insights from this data are helping close gaps and improve service delivery. India is already preparing for the next innovation phase that involves leveraging emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT for better governance.