Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the completion of 11 years of the Digital India programme, describing it as the cornerstone of a “developed and self-reliant India” that has transformed governance, empowered citizens, and accelerated inclusive development across the country.
Marking the anniversary of the flagship initiative launched on July 1, 2015, the Prime Minister said the programme has fundamentally reshaped the way citizens access public services while positioning India as a global leader in digital governance and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
“When over a billion people embrace technology, the impact is transformative!” PM Modi said in a post on X while sharing a video highlighting the programme’s achievements over the past decade.
In another post, the Prime Minister said the success of Digital India has given the country “a new identity worldwide” and reflected the determination of Indians to embrace innovation and technology to take the nation to greater heights.
“Digital India is the strong foundation of a developed and self-reliant India. Over the past 11 years, it has played a crucial role in empowering the poor and deprived while making the lives of citizens easier,” he said.
Highlighting the initiative’s achievements, PM Modi noted that Digital India has redefined governance by making public service delivery more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
“Today, we mark 11 years since the Digital India initiative was launched. This initiative has redefined governance, empowered citizens, and accelerated all-round development. It has touched every aspect of life,” he said.
The Prime Minister said technology has become a powerful tool for improving the ease of living through seamless digital payments, transparent Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and the rapid expansion of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
He further said the initiative has fuelled innovation across the country, particularly in villages and Tier-II and Tier-III cities, enabling young entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators to develop solutions to pressing global challenges.
“This initiative has strengthened education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and public service delivery, making governance more transparent, efficient and accessible,” PM Modi said.
Looking ahead, he emphasised that India’s advances in emerging technologies would further accelerate economic growth and innovation.
“Our strides in the digital world have ensured that India is making rapid progress in emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, quantum computing and more. This will open new avenues for growth and opportunity. Our focus will remain on creating a future where technology serves humanity, empowers every citizen and drives sustainable development,” he added.
Over the past 11 years, Digital India has evolved into the backbone of India’s digital economy and one of the world’s largest Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystems. Digital platforms now support governance across healthcare, education, agriculture, skilling, commerce, and welfare delivery, significantly improving access to essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
India has also emerged as the global leader in real-time digital payments, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounting for nearly 49 per cent of the world’s real-time digital transaction volume.
The programme, built around nine foundational pillars – including Broadband Highways, Universal Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access, e-Governance, Electronic Service Delivery, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, and Information for All – has significantly expanded digital connectivity while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Digital India has also transformed public healthcare by making medical services more accessible and efficient. The Online Registration System (ORS) has enabled patients to book hospital appointments digitally. Complementing this ecosystem, platforms such as eHospital have digitised hospital operations, while eBloodBank has improved blood availability and management across healthcare institutions.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure has also gained global recognition. UPI is now operational in more than eight countries, including the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, strengthening India’s global fintech footprint.
Flagship platforms such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, CoWIN, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), DIKSHA, UMANG, and eSanjeevani are increasingly serving as global models for digital governance.
(With agency inputs)
