20-21 September,2023

by | Sep 23, 2023

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): A Transformative Vision for a Digitally Inclusive Future

DPI: An Evolution of Digital Building Blocks

Key Aspect Explanation
Definition DPI represents a collection of technology building blocks that drive innovation, inclusion, and competition on a global scale. Operating openly, transparently, and participatorily, DPI is foundational in the digital era.
Examples Internet protocols like HTTP, HTML, and SMTP, and telecommunications standards such as GSM, SMS, CDMA, and IEEE 802.11 serve as historical examples of DPI. These facilitate global information exchange and interoperability.
Importance DPI paves the way for technological advancements by creating an ecosystem that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and competition. It is the backbone of modern digital governance.

India’s Journey: From Disconnected Applications to DPI

Key Milestones Description
1980s and 1990s India began with disconnected applications in the public domain, laying the groundwork for future technological advancements.
Infrastructure Projects State and central governments initiated infrastructure projects like state-wide area networks, Common Service Centres (CSCs), State Data Centres (SDCs), and Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) across various domains.
2009: The Aadhaar Initiative India embarked on the Aadhaar project, creating unique digital identities for residents, which evolved into a next-generation digital ID offering authentication as a service.

Decoding DPI: Three Integral Layers

Key Components Explanation
Market Layer Innovative and competitive players designing inclusive products.
Governance Layer Legal and institutional frameworks, public programs, and policies shaping adoption.
Technology Standards Layer Standards for identity, payments, and data sharing facilitating seamless interoperability.

Balancing Act: Public and Private

Key Considerations Explanation
Challenges of All-Government Systems Quality and maintenance issues may arise in all-government systems.
Challenges of All-Private Systems Monopolies can form in all-private systems.
DPI’s Balanced Approach DPI strikes a balance by efficiently managing frequently required services and components through public authorities, promoting an interoperable ecosystem.

The Pricing Debate and Digital Commons

Key Discussion Points Explanation
Argument for Pricing Pricing can enforce accountability and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for DPI services.
Counterargument for Free Services Since DPIs are funded by public money, and incremental work for service provision is minimal, services should be provided free of charge. Digital commons do not degrade with overuse.

Security: Safeguarding DPI

Security Aspects Explanation
Secure Pipelines Secure pipelines are established to access DPI services, ensuring the safety of data transmission.
Certification of End-User Applications Certification of end-user applications safeguards both infrastructure and connecting applications.

The Benefits of DPI: A Transformative Approach

Key Advantages Explanation
Reduced Development Costs DPI reduces development costs by offering modular solutions and readymade components.
Diverse Application Ecosystem A diverse application ecosystem thrives with lower entry barriers and vibrant competition.
Democratic and Non-Monopolistic System DPI fosters a democratic, non-monopolistic system with built-in scalability.

India’s DPI Success Stories and Global Influence

Notable DPI Initiatives in India Significance and Achievements
Aadhaar A next-generation digital ID that offers authentication as a service, simplifying various service deliveries. It has resulted in significant government savings through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) A real-time payment system simplifying digital transactions.
CoWin Orchestrated the world’s largest vaccination campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unified Health Interface (UHI), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and Open Network for Digital Commerce Ongoing initiatives to digitize healthcare and commerce.

PM-WANI: Revolutionizing Connectivity

PM-WANI: Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface Explanation
Definition PM-WANI aims to provide ubiquitous and affordable internet connectivity, further enhancing digital inclusion in India.
Significance It plays a crucial role in expanding internet access to remote and underserved areas, contributing to India’s digital growth.
Role in DPI PM-WANI becomes an integral part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, ensuring connectivity for all citizens.

A Vision for a Digitally Inclusive Future, India’s approach to DPI blends scalability, interoperability, innovation, and frugality, creating a vision for a digitally inclusive future. It sets a precedent for other nations, showcasing the immense potential of technology harnessed for the greater good. In an increasingly digital world, India stands as a beacon of DPI’s transformative power, with PM-WANI expanding connectivity and paving the way for a more inclusive digital landscape.

Source- Indian Express

Launch of GCES Web Portal and Mobile App Revolutionizes Farming Practices in India

The General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) portal and mobile application represent a pioneering initiative by the Indian government to revolutionize agricultural practices and data collection in the country. The background of this portal and app can be understood in the following context:

Historical Data Collection Challenges:

Traditionally, the collection of crop data in India has been a manual and time-consuming process. Crop estimates, yield calculations, and related data were gathered through labor-intensive methods, leading to significant delays in reporting. These delays often hindered the government’s ability to make informed decisions, plan agricultural policies, and respond effectively to changing agricultural conditions.

Need for Real-time Data and Technology:

Recognizing the need for timely and accurate agricultural data, there was a growing realization that India’s agriculture sector could benefit immensely from the integration of modern technology. Real-time data collection and analysis could enable farmers to make informed decisions, optimize crop management, and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

Digital Transformation in Agriculture:

In recent years, India has made significant strides in leveraging digital technology for agricultural development. Initiatives like digital land records, mobile apps for farmers, and online marketplaces have already started transforming the agricultural landscape. The GCES portal and mobile application represent the next step in this digital transformation.

Prime Minister’s Vision:

The launch of the GCES portal and app aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of harnessing digital technology for the social and economic development of the country. It underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging digital tools to benefit farmers, improve data accuracy, and modernize agricultural practices.

Objectives of the GCES Portal and Mobile App:

The primary objectives of the GCES portal and mobile application are to:

  • Streamline data collection processes in agriculture.
  • Provide accurate and real-time crop yield estimates.
  • Enhance transparency and data credibility.
  • Empower farmers with actionable information.
  • Enable policymakers to make informed decisions.
  • Advance India’s digital transformation in the agriculture sector.

The GCES portal and mobile application mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a digitally empowered and data-driven agricultural sector. They address historical data collection challenges, prioritize real-time data accuracy, and contribute to the government’s broader vision of using technology for social benefit and agricultural modernization.

Source-  PIB

Written By Vishakha Khatri

My name is Vishakha Khatri. I am an engineering graduate and a civil service aspirant with a passion for spreading knowledge about Indian polity. I believe that understanding our political system is crucial for every citizen, and I am committed to making this information accessible to everyone in my own easy way. Through my experiences in civil service preparation and my unique perspective as an engineering graduate, I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of Indian polity.

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