How Digital India is Transforming Lives: A Decade of Progress Under PM Modi
Digital India: A Vision Realized
New Delhi: The commitment to 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' alongside the ambition of 'Digital India' is becoming a reality, forming the backbone of the current government's governance model.
Initiated over a decade ago, the digital transformation is now embedded in nearly every policy and public welfare initiative, focusing on delivering benefits to the underprivileged and marginalized communities.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared insights on social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing the lives of citizens.
"The use of technology has significantly improved service delivery and transparency, empowering even the most disadvantaged individuals," he stated.
The Digital India initiative, introduced by PM Modi during his initial term, has significantly altered the country's growth trajectory over the last ten years. Governance has become more transparent and accessible, unlocking vast opportunities for citizens.
One of the standout achievements of the Modi administration is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which ensures efficient and leak-proof distribution of welfare funds to millions of impoverished households. Internet access has expanded to rural areas, and digital payment systems are increasingly reaching these communities.
DBT Transfers
Currently, over 322 schemes across 56 ministries are included in the DBT framework. More than ₹44 lakh crore has been directly transferred to beneficiaries' accounts, with ₹3.48 lakh crore saved by eliminating middlemen and leakages.
In the last decade, DBT transfers have surged by 90 times, ushering in a new era of swift and transparent public welfare delivery.
Aadhaar: The World's Largest Digital ID System
Aadhaar, which provides a unique identity to every citizen, is at the forefront of India's digital identity movement.
Every individual in the 1.4 billion population now possesses a unique 12-digit Aadhaar number, with authentication transactions surpassing 150 billion.
DigiLocker: Paving the Way for a Paperless India
DigiLocker, an online document storage application, is driving the shift towards paperless governance. Official estimates indicate that over 52 crore users are registered on DigiLocker, with more than 852 crore documents issued.
Jeevan Pramaan
The Jeevan Pramaan initiative utilizes technology to enhance the dignity of individuals. The digital life certificate system has simplified processes for pensioners, allowing over 10 crore registered users to avoid in-person visits to banks for life certificates.
Since November 2024, more than 143 lakh 'Digital Life Certificates' have been submitted.
UMANG: A Unified Platform for Services
The UMANG App has consolidated various government services into a single platform, serving as a digital gateway for over 2,000 services across multiple departments. Records show that there are more than 8.21 crore registered users, with over 597 crore transactions.
Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan initiative has made significant strides in closing the digital gap in rural India.