Digital India is a campaign launched by the Government of India to make its services available to citizens electronically through improved online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity. The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. It consists of three core components: the development of secure and stable digital infrastructure, delivering government services digitally, and universal digital literacy.
Launched on 1 July 2015, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it both uses and supports other Government of India schemes, such as BharatNet, Make in India, Startup India, Standup India, industrial corridors, Bharatmala Sagarmala and Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
As of 31 December 2018, India had a population of 130 crore people (1.3 billion), 130 crore (1.3 billion) Aadhaar digital biometric identity cards, 150 crore (1.5 billion) mobile phones, 100.6 crore (446 million) smartphones, 130 crore (1.3 billion) internet users up from 481 million people (80% of the country's total population) in December 2017, and 71 per cent growth in e-commerce.
History
Digital India was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 1 July 2015, with an objective of connecting rural areas with high-speed Internet networks and improving digital literacy. The Digital India programme aimed to promote inclusive growth in the areas of electronic services, products, manufacturing and job opportunities. It is centred on three key areas – digital infrastructure as a utility to every citizen, governance and services on demand, and digital empowerment of citizens. The plan also attempted to expand access to the internet in rural areas through the implementation of the Netcare System program.
Digital India initiative
The Government of India's entity Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) which executes the BharatNet project is the custodian of Digital India (DI) project.