Union Cabinet Approval to Expansion of Digital India Programme With an Outlay of ₹14,903 crore

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Digital India Programme

New Delhi, August 17, 2023 – The Union Cabinet has given its nod for the expansion of the Digital India programme. The total outlay is ₹14,903 crores.

Under the expansion, the government aims to introduce cyber-awareness courses for 12 crore college-going students, upskilling and reskilling 6.25 lakh IT professionals, and training 2.65 lakh people under the Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme, among other initiatives.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the expansion of the Digital India programme on August 16, 2023.

“Today’s Cabinet decision on the expansion of the Digital India programme is a testament to our commitment towards a technologically empowered India,” the prime minister shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“It will boost our digital economy, provide better access to services, and strengthen our IT ecosystem,” the Prime Minister added.

The programme was launched on July 1, 2015, to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Its main objectives include providing digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and delivering digital services to citizens.

Digital India Programme Expansion – Key Highlights

The expanded Digital India programme aims to achieve the following objectives tabulated below:

  • 6.25 lakh IT professionals will be re-skilled and up-skilled under the FutureSkills Prime Programme.
  • Cyber-awareness courses will be provided to 12 crores college students.
  • 2.65 lakh persons will be trained in information security under the Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme.
  • 9 more supercomputers will be added under the National Super Computer Mission. This is in addition to 18 supercomputers already deployed.
  • Bhashini, the AI-enabled multi-language translation tool (currently available in 10 languages) will be rolled out in all 22 schedule 8 languages
  • Modernisation of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) which connects 1,787 educational institutions.
  • Digital document verification facility under DigiLocker will now be available to MSMEs and other organisations.
  • 1,200 startups will be supported in tier 2/3 cities.
  • 3 Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence on health, agriculture and sustainable cities to be set up. 
  • The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app/platform will incorporate 540 additional services.At present over 1,700 services are already available on UMANG.
  • New cybersecurity initiatives will encompass the development of tools and integration of more than 200 sites with the National Cyber Coordination Centre.

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Digital India Programme – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Digital India programme? State its main objectives.

Ans: Digital India programme is a government initiative to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Its main objectives include providing digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and delivering digital services to citizens.

Q: How does the programme aim to improve digital infrastructure across the country?

Ans: The programme focuses on expanding high-speed internet connectivity, promoting the use of digital devices, and creating digital access points in rural and remote areas to ensure equitable access to digital resources and services.

Q: Which is the main initiative included under the programme to enhance digital literacy?

Ans: Main initiative included under the programme is  Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA). It provides training on digital literacy to individuals, especially in rural areas, and equip them with essential digital skills for effective technology usage.

Q: How does the programme promote e-governance and digital services for citizens?

Ans: The Digital India programme encourages implementation of e-governance systems to deliver government services electronically, making them more accessible, efficient, and transparent to citizens through platforms like the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).

Q: What role does the programme play in fostering innovation and startups?

Ans: The Digital India programme supports innovation and startups by facilitating access to digital tools, promoting a digital ecosystem for entrepreneurship, and offering initiatives like “StartUp India” to nurture and mentor startups in the digital sector.

Q: What is the impact of the programme on rural connectivity and development?

Ans: The Digital India programme has significantly improved rural connectivity through initiatives like BharatNet, which aims to provide broadband connectivity to villages, fostering digital inclusion and enabling access to online education, healthcare, and services.

Q: How does the programme address cybersecurity and digital security concerns?

Ans: The Digital India programme emphasises the importance of cybersecurity and digital security through initiatives like the National Cyber Security Policy. It aims to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure, build capacities, and promote cybersecurity awareness among citizens and organisations.

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