Launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2015, the initiative aims to connect citizens through electronic means and improve online infrastructure, internet connectivity and empower people digitally in the field of technology.
In this
Group Discussion on Digital India, we have got you some facts, interesting quotes, arguments in favor of and against Digital India. Also provided is a list of possible
GD topics on Digital India, you can expect to see.
Facts About Digital India:
- Digital India comprises 3 core components namely
i. development of stable and secure digital infrastructure,
ii. universal digital literacy and
iii. deliverance of government services digitally - Other programs that complement Digital India are - Sagarmala, Bharatmala, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Industrial corridors, BharatNet, Make in India and UDAN-RCS.
- Digital India programme is a scheme which aims to improve Internet connectivity all over India
- This initiative is expected to shift E-governance M or mobile governance, as per PM Modi.
Components of Digital India:
1. Broadband Highways - As per this programme, broadband highways will be routes through which internet connections will reach 2,50 thousand gram panchayats by 2016. Reliance Jio has also launched its 4G plan keeping the National Fiber Optic Network in mind.
2. Digital Locker - This online locker stores documents issued by the government and requires Aadhaar card as first time identification.
- It can even be linked to Google and social media accounts.
- Services such as passport applications online are set to be facilitated through digital lockers.
3. Mobile Linkages - With over 42 thousand villages set to have seamless mobile connectivity by 2018, INR 20 thousand crore of investment will be needed and companies like Airtel, Idea, Reliance, BSNL and MTNL will play a crucial role.
4. e-Kranti - This is a mobile-first technologies approach. As per this initiative, public programmes will be integrated on a single portal and technology is to be used for implementation and grievance redressal systems.
5. Digital Sector Jobs - BPO centres are set for establishment in NE states and rural areas where development is yet to make its mark.
6. Manufacturing - Digital India seeks to grow electronics manufacturing by 2020 to create net zero imports.
Some Important GD Topics on Digital India, you can expect to see:
1. Has Digital India Programme been successful?
2. Digital India Initiatives and their Advantages
3. Digital India: Pros and Cons
4. Digital India: Opportunities and Challenges
5. Digital India: A Myth or a Reality?
6. Are Digital Payments secure enough for India to go cashless?
7. Does India need Net Neutrality?
8. Is India ready to go cashless?
9. Tablets should now replace textbooks.
10. Electronic versus Print Media.
11. Cyber Security and Digital India
12. Net Neutrality: Advantages and Disadvantages
13. Would you rely on a Digital Nanny for your child?
14. It is a Digital Black Economy post Demonetisation?
15. Will Digital India Make India a Superpower?
16. Can India have its own Silicon valley?
17. E-commerce beats Brick and Mortar Stores
18. Digital Divide and Indian Education System.
19. Cashless India: A Boon or a Bane?
Pros of Digital India:
- Job creation with 1.7 crore direct jobs and 8.5 crore indirect employment
- Digital India will boost both small and large enterprises and manufacturing units
- Citizens can be directly linked to the government and address their concerns
- India will become an IT leader in the fields of banking, health and education
- With public cloud and internet access, digitally empowered citizenry would benefit
- Additionally, there would be wireless internet and broadband in 2.5 lakh villages and universal phone connectivity
- The Wi-Fi enabled universities and Wi-Fi hot spots will benefit education and growth of rural and urban population
Some Concerns with Digital India:
- Digital India will fail unless the initiative is inclusive-safeguards must be in place
- The way corporate companies will recover cost must also be identified. Promised investments may end up as NPA
- Ensuring privacy and confidentiality of data is essential
- Reliability of technology used for digital lockers and official documentation must be high
- There are privacy concerns and fears of mass surveillance
- Some critics hold that government should focus on basic amenities like water and power before they concentrate on internet.
Conclusion:
Digital India is a huge step forward for the transformation of India into a superpower. But only when development and inclusion go together, will this programme be a success
We hope that you find this
GD guide on Digital India useful for your entrance exams and placement.
