Digital India Program: Key Enhancements for 2023

Enhancing Digital Accessibility and Cybersecurity

The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension and expansion of the Digital India program. With a substantial budget of ₹14,903 crore, this initiative aims to improve digital accessibility, bolster cybersecurity measures, and facilitate upskilling across various sectors.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the necessity of affordable cybersecurity tools for small businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and individuals. The program intends to make cybersecurity resources more accessible and cost-effective.

Key Elements of the Expanded Digital India Program

• Cybersecurity Focus: The program aims to address the growing demand for accessible cybersecurity solutions by developing tools specifically tailored for small businesses, schools, and hospitals.
• Upskilling and Reskilling: The expansion plans include training for 6.25 lakh IT professionals, equipping them with the latest digital skills essential for today’s technological landscape.
• Information Security Training: Approximately 2.65 lakh employees will undergo specialized information security training, enhancing their capabilities to combat cyber threats effectively.
• Modernizing Connectivity: The National Knowledge Network (NKN), which was established in 2010, will be modernized to enhance high-speed broadband connectivity among educational and research institutions.
• UMANG Platform Enhancement: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) platform will expand its offerings by adding 540 more services, providing easier access to government services.
• Empowering MSMEs: The DigiLocker service, which is the government’s online document repository, will extend its services to Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), facilitating easier access to verified documents for business purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the budget for the expanded Digital India program?
Answer: The expanded Digital India program has a budget of ₹14,903 crore aimed at enhancing digital accessibility and cybersecurity across sectors.

Q2. How many IT professionals will be upskilled under the new initiative?
Answer: The program plans to upskill 6.25 lakh IT professionals, providing them with the latest digital skills needed in the industry.

Q3. What does the UMANG platform offer?
Answer: The UMANG platform offers access to various government services and will add 540 more services to enhance user experience and accessibility.

Q4. What is the focus of the cybersecurity initiative?
Answer: The cybersecurity initiative focuses on creating affordable and accessible cybersecurity tools specifically designed for small businesses, schools, and hospitals.

Q5. How will the National Knowledge Network be improved?
Answer: The National Knowledge Network will be modernized to improve high-speed broadband connectivity among educational and research institutions, enhancing their digital capabilities.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the Digital India program extension?
A) Economic growth
B) Cybersecurity and digital accessibility
C) Environmental sustainability
D) Agricultural development
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many employees will receive information security training?
A) 1 lakh
B) 2.65 lakh
C) 5 lakh
D) 10 lakh
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What platform will see enhancements with additional services?
A) UMANG
B) DigiLocker
C) NKN
D) e-Governance
Correct Answer: A