India’s Advancement in Digital Technology for the Development of the Common Man

-- Anamika Soman, Class-11, Indian learners’ Own Academy

Thursday, January 12, 2023

In this digital age, we have an opportunity to transform the lives of people in ways that were hard to imagine just a couple of decades ago. The ultimate aim of all technological advancement is the betterment of the life of the common man. They all aim at the discovery of solutions to the most pressing problems of our time.

With a population of nearly 1.39 billion people, India is one of the most populous countries in the world. The country has reached remarkable levels of Internet adoption and digital penetration. India is also the fastest-growing digital market and a hub for global digital and technological services.

Recently, our Prime Minister Mr. NarendraModi made a telling observation about his idea of India: "… every Indian must have a smartphone in his hand and every field must be covered by a drone". This was a reaffirmation of his commitment that ordinary Indians must be empowered with technology.

In July 2015, the Indian government launched the 'Digital India' initiative to improve online infrastructure and increase internet accessibility among citizens thereby. Digital India's motto – "Power to Empower" — is truly living up to its goals and expectations. It solved some of the most difficult problems the country had been facing for decades

The Jan-Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile trinity has ensured that the poorest receive every penny of their entitled benefits. SVAMITVA Yojana which provides digital land records reduces disputes and facilitates monetization of land for availing bank loans. India is far ahead of most countries in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic because of the launch of digital platforms like CoWIN.

Our country has emerged as the fastest-growing ecosystem for fin-tech innovations. This was made possible due to innovative digital payment products like UPI and Aadhaar-Enabled Payment Systems. When banks and ATMs were shut during Covid-19, AEPS-based micro-ATM at CSCs and post offices provided doorstep delivery of cash.

Another noteworthy concept is the Digital locker system which is safe, secure, and free software that can be used to store important and official documents such as educational certificates, birth certificates, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, Passports, and Voter IDs on your mobile phone.

India's digital revolution has benefited the country to a great extent. The ongoing efforts of our nation have done much to encourage digital progress, from rationalizing regulations to improving infrastructure. Every day, our nation seeks to use technology to bridge the distance between hope and opportunity.