Digital Public Infrastructure In India

Source: PIB
GS II: Governance

Why in the News?

PIB released a factsheet highlighting India’s progress in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digital connectivity, electronics manufacturing and e-governance.

News in Brief

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has connected citizens, governments and institutions at an unprecedented scale over the past 12 years.
• It has made governance faster, more transparent and responsive to citizens’ needs.
• The digital economy contributes around 12–14% of India’s GDP and is projected to reach 20% over the next decade.
• India is the world’s fifth-largest digitalized economy and the fourth-highest-ranked G20 economy, according to the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2026.

Electronics Manufacturing: Towards a Self-Reliant India

• India’s electronics manufacturing sector has expanded significantly under the Make in India framework, supported by initiatives such as the PLI Scheme, ECMS, India Semiconductor Mission and EMC 2.0.
• India has witnessed a significant rise in electronics production and exports, strengthening its position as a global electronics manufacturing hub.
• Electronics has emerged as a major export sector, while the manufacturing ecosystem has created substantial employment opportunities, including greater participation of women.

Mobile manufacturing : Driving growth and Employment

• India has emerged as the 2nd largest global hub for mobile phone manufacturing, with mobile phones becoming the country’s second largest export product.
• The sector has witnessed a sharp expansion in production and exports, supported by the growth of domestic manufacturing capabilities.
• It has also generated significant employment, with women accounting for nearly 70% share of the workforce, highlighting the sector’s role in both industrial growth and women’s economic participation.

Enhanced Telecommunications Infrastructure

• India’s telecommunications network has expanded substantially, with telephone connectivity and tele-density witnessing significant growth.
• The rise in active wireless mobile subscribers reflects the increasing penetration and adoption of mobile communication services across the country.

Internet and Digital Connectivity

• India has witnessed rapid growth in internet adoption, supported by more affordable mobile data and improved broadband speeds.
• The expansion of 5G networks has strengthened high-speed connectivity, while wider 4G coverage is improving access in rural areas.
• Initiatives such as BharatNet are extending broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats, and PM-WANI is expanding access to affordable public Wi-Fi, thereby strengthening last-mile digital connectivity.

UPI: Transforming Digital Payments

• UPI has emerged as a major driver of India’s digital payments ecosystem and is now the world’s largest real-time payment system by transaction volume.
• Its widespread adoption has connected individuals, merchants and banks on a common platform, making digital payments faster and more accessible.
• The rapid growth of monthly transactions reflects its deep penetration across India, while its acceptance in several foreign countries is expanding the global reach of India’s digital payment infrastructure.
  • UPI is now accepted in 11 foreign countries like Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Cambodia and Greece.

Digital Commerce

• India’s digital commerce ecosystem is expanding through Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which connects buyers and sellers across platforms and creates wider market access for SHGs, weavers, artisans and small businesses.
• At the same time, Government E-Marketplace (GeM) has made government procurement more transparent, efficient and paperless while enabling MSMEs to access government markets.
• The SWAYATT initiative (Startup Runway for Women and Youth-led Enterprises) further promotes inclusive procurement by helping women-led enterprises, startups and youth-led businesses connect directly with government buyers.

E-Governance Initiatives: Strengthening G2C Services

• India’s e-governance ecosystem is improving access to government services through platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, Aadhaar and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
• These initiatives reduce dependence on physical documents and government offices while enabling easier digital authentication and service delivery.
• Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) further facilitates the direct transfer of welfare benefits into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, strengthening transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.

Digital Platforms Driving Educational Access

• Digital platforms are expanding access to education by providing online learning resources, teacher training and academic services.
• DIKSHA offers curriculum-linked content and digital learning materials, while SWAYAM provides courses across educational levels.
• SWAYAM Prabha extends access through satellite-based educational channels, benefiting learners without reliable internet connectivity.
• PM e-Vidya integrates multiple digital and broadcast platforms to support inclusive learning, while APAAR ( Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry ) provides students with a digital academic identity for storing and verifying educational records.

Digital Skills and Workforce Development

• India is strengthening its digital workforce through platforms such as FutureSkills PRIME, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), which provide digital skilling, training and employment opportunities.
• These initiatives are helping learners acquire skills relevant to the evolving technology landscape.
• The IndiaAI Mission is further promoting AI education, infrastructure and responsible AI adoption across schools, higher education institutions and professional training programmes.

Conclusion

India’s expanding digital ecosystem is making governance more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric, while creating opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.

together, these developments are strengthening India’s digital capabilities and supporting the vision of a digitally empowered Viksit Bharat.

Key Takeaways

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UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following pairs

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q. Digital Public Infrastructure has emerged as a key enabler of citizen-centric governance in India. Discuss its contribution to inclusive development and examine the challenges associated with its expansion. (250 Words)

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