New Delhi: As 'Digital India' completes 10 years, the next decade will be even more transformative, as the country moves from digital governance to global digital leadership -- from India-first to India-for-the-world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
According to PM Modi, 'Digital India' has not remained a mere government program; it has become a people's movement. "It is central to building an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', and to making India a trusted innovation partner to the world. To all innovators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers: the world is looking at India for the next digital breakthrough," said the Prime Minister in a post on LinkedIn.
Ten years ago, India embarked on a bold journey into uncharted territory with great conviction. While decades were spent doubting the ability of Indians to use technology, "we changed this approach and trusted the ability of Indians to use technology," said PM Modi.
"While decades were spent thinking that the use of technology would deepen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, we changed this mindset and used technology to eliminate the gap between the haves and the have-nots. When the intent is right, innovation empowers the less empowered. When the approach is inclusive, technology brings change in the lives of those on the margins," PM Modi emphasised.
This belief laid the foundation for Digital India - a mission to democratise access, build an inclusive digital infrastructure, and provide opportunities for all.
In 2014, internet penetration was limited, digital literacy was low, and online access to government services was scarce. Many doubted whether a country as vast and diverse as India could truly go digital.
"Today, that question has been answered not just in data and dashboards, but in the lives of 140 crore Indians. From how we govern, to how we learn, transact, and build, Digital India is everywhere," said the Prime Minister.
In 2014, India had around 25 crore internet connections. Today, that number has grown to over 97 crore. Over 42 lakh kilometres of Optical Fibre Cable, equivalent to 11 times the distance between Earth and the Moon now connects even the most remote villages.
