Union Cabinet Expands Digital India Programme with ₹14,903 Crore Outlay
New Delhi, August 16, 2023 – The Digital India programme, launched on July 1, 2015, for the seamless delivery of services to citizens through digital means, has achieved remarkable success. In a significant move, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the expansion of the Digital India programme with a substantial outlay of ₹14,903 crores.
The expansion will encompass several pivotal initiatives:
- FutureSkills Prime Programme: Over 6.25 lakh IT professionals are set to be re-skilled and up-skilled.
- Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme: Training for information security will be extended to 2.65 lakh individuals.
- Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG): An additional 540 services will be integrated into the UMANG app/platform, enhancing its utility alongside the existing 1,700 services.
- National Super Computer Mission: The existing 18 supercomputers will be joined by 9 more, strengthening the nation’s computational capabilities.
- Bhashini AI-Enabled Multi-Language Translation Tool: This tool, presently available in 10 languages, will expand to cover all 22 scheduled languages.
- Modernisation of National Knowledge Network (NKN): The NKN, linking 1,787 educational institutions, will undergo modernization.
- Digital Document Verification through DigiLocker: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other organizations will now have access to digital document verification via DigiLocker.
- Support for Startups in Tier 2/3 Cities: Approximately 1,200 startups in Tier 2/3 cities will receive support.
- Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence: Three centers will focus on AI in health, agriculture, and sustainable cities.
- Cyber-Awareness Courses and Initiatives: Cyber-awareness courses will be provided to around 12 crore college students, alongside the development of cyber security tools and integration of 200+ sites with the National Cyber Coordination Centre.
This momentous announcement is poised to energize India’s digital economy, ensuring wider digital access to services while nurturing the nation’s IT and electronics ecosystem.
