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Digital is the key central theme for the government - Dr Rajendra Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, GoI
Apr 27, 2022
Every household to get
optic fibre over the next ten months - Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary,
Department of Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology
(IT), Govt of Telangana
NEW DELHI, 27 April 2022: Dr Rajendra Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt of India yesterday said that our goal for the next four to five years is really to use the power of digital to bring all stakeholders on board.
Addressing the virtual 'Digital Bharat 2022' organised by the Ministry of Electronics and IT and Ministry of Communications, the Govt of India and FICCI, Dr Kumar outlined the government's vision - comprising eight elements - for broad basing digital in transforming the nation's governance, society and economy. These include providing quality digital infrastructure, focusing on digital governance, digital economy growth, usage of emerging tech, modernisation of digital law, cyber security, skill and talent, and encouragement and promotion of the start-up ecosystem.
"MEITY is making a lot of efforts to ensure that our tech ecosystem can compete and grow in the years to come," he said.
He further added that the government has announced that the digital economy will reach a $1 trillion market over the next five years. The electronics manufacturing industry is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2026, of which USD 120 billion is expected to come from exports. In the fiscal ending March 31, 2022, the exports of mobile phones increased by 75%, and electronics were up by 50%. The production value of mobile devices has crossed 37 billion in 21-22, up from 3 billion in FY 15. About 98% of all mobile phones used in India are Made in India, and the country is now becoming an exporter.
Mr Virat Bhatia, Chairman, Mobile Manufacturing and Communications Committee, FICCI, said that India's ICT and mobile Industry is at the forefront in driving the transformation of technology-enabled businesses and social and economic reforms country. In addition, initiatives like Aadhaar, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and technologies like data analytics and AI are not just transforming but making India the leading global market in digital transformation.
"Digital India has also already laid
a solid foundation. Now, as a country, we must look within and build on the
digital advantage. Still, with an eye on the globe", he said, adding, "we need to compete hard in the space as global competition in the next
few years will be decisive for India in stimulating employment and getting back
as one of the fastest-growing large economies," he added.
For Digital India to succeed, bridging the digital divide - entailing ramping up digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and solutions - is crucial.
Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT), Govt of Telangana, highlighted on the state government's project T-fibre that aims to provide optic fibre cable to every household within the next ten months. He stressed on the need to find tech-enabled solutions to address the needs of the common person.
"You have to roll out as many technology-enabled solutions as possible, which address the most pressing pain points of the common person," he said.
Mr
Ranjan said
that the Government of Telangana has rolled out 80 Plus technology-enabled
interventions for agriculture in the state.
Mr Nand Kumarum, Managing Director, MPSEDC on behalf of the Science and Technology Department Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, pointed to the accessibility issues in the design of tech-enabled solutions. He pointed to three kiosk models in Madhya Pradesh - e-District Lokseva Kendra, 40000 kiosks under MP Online, and CSCs.
Dr Ajay Data, Co-Chair, IT and ITeS Committee, FICCI, Chairman of UASG, ICANN, and CEO, Data Xgen Technologies also shared their perspective.
FICCI Report - Status and Opportunities for Promoting the Use of Assistive Technologies and Content for Persons with Disabilities in India was release during the event. The report focuses on three groups of persons with disabilities - persons with vision, hearing, and special learning disabilities and highlights gaps and opportunities to scale up IT adoption across the country with more focus and direction.