The expansion of the Digital India program has been sanctioned by the Indian Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative will receive Rs. 14,903 crore in funding over five years, starting from FY2021-22 to FY2025-26.
The main focus of this expansion is to enhance cybersecurity, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
The Digital India program, which was introduced on July 1, 2015, and has proven successful, is now being extended further.
Key Highlights of the Expanded Digital India Program (FY2021-22 to FY2025-26)
1. Skill Enhancement: Around 6.25 lakh IT professionals will undergo re-skilling and up-skilling through the FutureSkills Prime Program.
2. Information Security Training: Approximately 2.65 lakh individuals will be trained in information security through the Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Program.
3. Expanded Mobile Services: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app/platform will offer 540 additional services, expanding the total services available to over 1,700.
4. Increased Supercomputers: The National Super Computer Mission will add 9 new supercomputers to the existing 18, enhancing computational power.
5. Language Translation Tool: The AI-enabled multi-language translation tool, Bhashini, will be extended to all 22 scheduled 8 languages.
6. Educational Network Modernization: The National Knowledge Network (NKN), connecting 1,787 educational institutions, will undergo modernization.
7. Digital Verification for MSMEs: The digital document verification feature in DigiLocker will now be accessible to MSMEs and other organizations.
8. Support for Startups: 1,200 startups in Tier 2/3 cities will receive support.
9. Artificial Intelligence Centers: Three Centers of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence will focus on health, agriculture, and sustainable cities.
10. Cyber-awareness for Students: Cyber-awareness courses will be offered to 12 crore college students.
11. Cybersecurity Initiatives: Various new initiatives in cybersecurity, including tool development and integration with the National Cyber Coordination Centre, will be implemented.
Commenting on the announcement, Union Electronics and Information Technology (IT) minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said:
The announcement of the Digital India programme, with a budget allocation of ₹ 14,903 crore, is set to invigorate India’s digital economy, enhance digital accessibility to services, and bolster the country’s IT and electronics infrastructure.