Digital India programme

Why is in news? NeGD organises State Capacity Building Workshop Under Digital India programme

A workshop on Artificial Intelligence for digital transformation is being conducted in Kerala on 19^th -20th October 2023 with the participation of more than 42 officials across 13 State Departments.

The two-day intensive workshop is intended to equip the IT team working under various State Departments to maintain continuity in the adoption and implementation of emerging technology initiatives in the State.

State Capacity Building Workshops are being offered by National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, under its Capacity Building Scheme in collaboration with their knowledge partners.

The aim of these workshops is to demystify the potential of emerging technologies in improving service delivery and how to shape the policies and strategies to accommodate new digital landscapes.

This workshop may bring noteworthy transformation in day-to-day functioning of officers, which will further be helpful for the Government officials to decide which of these emerging technologies will help to implement the right solution for the requirements that they have for their departments.

The workshop has brought together an array of subject matter experts from the industry and the government for interactive sessions on State problem areas, real-life use cases, demonstrations on tools and a vision for turning ideas into proof of concepts, pilots or projects.

Launched in August 2023, these workshops are distinctive with the partnership between the Government and industry consortium so that Government may effectively harness the emerging technologies to improve the delivery of public services, strengthening governance and making better-informed decisions.

The upcoming workshops in Kerala are planned in Data Driven Decision Making for Government and Cloud Computing.

Digital India program:

The Digital India program was launched on July 1, 2015, by the Government of India.

The program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

It seeks to harness the potential of information technology and digital platforms to provide government services to citizens, promote digital literacy, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Features:

Broadband Connectivity: Expanding high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas is essential to bridge the digital divide. This initiative aims to provide equal access to information and opportunities for citizens across the country, regardless of their geographical location.

Digital Infrastructure: Developing robust digital infrastructure, including data centres, cloud platforms, and networks, is the foundation of a digitally-driven nation. This infrastructure supports various digital services, applications, and platforms, enabling efficient data storage, processing, and sharing.

e-Governance: Transitioning government services and benefits to electronic platforms improves efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Citizens can access services online, reducing paperwork, eliminating intermediaries, and enhancing the overall service delivery experience.

Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy is crucial, especially in rural areas where many citizens might not be familiar with digital tools. Digital literacy campaigns and training programs help individuals gain the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Universal Access to Phones: Ensuring that every citizen has access to mobile phones facilitates their engagement with digital services and platforms. Mobile phones become a gateway to information, communication, and services.

Public Internet Access: Establishing Common Service Centers (CSCs) in rural areas provides public Internet access and government services under one roof. These centres act as touchpoints for citizens to avail of various digital services without having to travel to urban centres.

Digital Payment Systems: Promoting digital payment systems is a significant step towards reducing cash transactions, promoting transparency, and formalizing the economy. Platforms like BHIM and UPI have revolutionized the way transactions are conducted.

Digital Identity: Aadhaar, a biometric identification system, provides citizens with a unique digital identity. This identity simplifies access to government services, eliminates duplications, and enhances the efficiency of service delivery.

Startup and Innovation: Fostering a conducive environment for startups and innovation in the technology sector drives economic growth and creates job opportunities. Initiatives like "Startup India" encourage entrepreneurship and technological advancement.