“Celebrating a Decade of Digital India: How Bharat Became the World’s Digital Capital” – www.lokmattimes.com

New Delhi, June 30 – India has come a long way since the early days of e-governance in the 1990s. Back then, a clear ‘digital divide’ marked economic gaps between those with access to technology and those without. This gap slowed down the country’s growth, creating a need for better digital infrastructure.

The landscape changed significantly over the last decade, particularly since Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Digital India campaign on July 1, 2015. This initiative aimed to empower citizens digitally and elevate India’s status globally, turning it into a knowledge-driven economy.

As we reflect on ten years of Digital India, we see a nation transformed. Once behind in technology, India has become a leader in the digital world, enhancing the lives of millions through online services and boosting the economy.

Today, over 95% of villages have internet access. In just a decade, rural telephone connections soared from 377 million to over 536 million, growing rural tele-density from 44% to 59% by 2025. Internet penetration skyrocketed from about 14% to over 55%, with the number of internet users jumping to 970 million from 250 million—a staggering growth of around 288%.

The Rise of the Digital Economy

According to the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2024, India is now the third-largest digitized economy globally, trailing only the US and China. The digital economy contributed 11.74% to India’s national income in 2022–23, projected to rise to 13.42% by 2024–25. This sector is expected to grow almost twice as quickly as the overall economy, potentially providing 20% of national income by 2029-30.

Digital Payments Revolution

One shining example of India’s digital innovation is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is now used in seven countries, including the UAE and France. This system demonstrates how India’s digital payments approach is setting a benchmark globally. Bill Gates commented on its success, stating that India’s innovations like Aadhaar and UPI “set the gold standard” for digital infrastructure.

In India, the fintech adoption rate stands at 87%, higher than the global average of 67%. In May 2025 alone, UPI transactions reached ₹25.14 lakh crore, with daily transactions averaging ₹81,106 crore.

Optimizing Welfare and Connecting Rural India

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has revolutionized public welfare by ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients directly. By eliminating middlemen, DBT has saved the government ₹3.48 lakh crore, with food subsidies contributing significantly. In the past, welfare schemes suffered from fraud and inefficiency, but DBT has streamlined the process.

Rural connectivity has also improved. Through the BharatNet project, over 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats now enjoy high-speed internet. This digital growth has given rise to a new wave of opportunities, particularly for those in rural areas. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan has empowered over 47.8 million rural citizens with digital literacy, opening new doors for access and information.

Inclusive Public Services

E-governance has transformed public services, with 4,671 e-services available across 709 districts. Initiatives like the Common Services Centres provide digital services in rural areas. The Digi Locker has gained 51.6 crore users, simplifying access to vital documents.

The government also supports a diverse range of languages and has launched initiatives like the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS), giving scholars access to over 13,000 academic journals, crucial for making India a global research destination.

Looking Forward

India’s achievements in digital governance illustrate the potential for a more inclusive and prosperous future. As digital technology evolves, there is an opportunity for India to export its innovations. Promoting systems like UPI or Aadhaar internationally could yield economic benefits and bolster India’s role as a global tech leader.

In summary, Digital India has turned the tides, propelling the country from technological laggard to leader on the world stage. With continued focus on digital empowerment and governance, India is not just keeping pace with the digital revolution but is positioning itself as a model for others to follow.

This transformative journey highlights how technology can bridge gaps, encourage growth, and bring people together, shedding old barriers to create a more equitable society.

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