IISWBM MBA PS (CONS OF DIGITAL INDIA)

The Government of India entity Bharat Broadband Limited which executes the National

optical fibre network project will be the custodian of Digital India (DI) project. BBNL had
ordered United Telecoms to connect 250,000 villages through GPON to ensure FTTH based
broadband. This will provide the first basic setup to achieve towards DI and is expected to be
completed by 2017.

The Digital India initiative is a promising initiative of the Indian Government. Many
companies have shown their interest in this project. It is also believed that E-commerce
would facilitate the DI project. However, it is not free from challenges and legal hurdles.
Some believe that DI cannot be successful till mandatory bcb e-governance services in India
are introduced. Having incomplete implementation of the National e-governance plan of
India will only affect the success of the DI project. India has poor regulations in the field of
privacy protection, data protection, cyber law, telegraph, e-governance, etc. Further, many
legal experts believe that e-governance and DI without cyber security is useless. The cyber
security trends in India have exposed the vulnerability of Indian cyberspace. Even
the National cyber security police have not been implemented till now. In these
circumstances, Critical infrastructural problem would be a really tough task to manage for the
Indian Government. The project also lacks the concept of proper E-waste management.

Leveraging cyber environment for various services and skill development are some it's most
important features. There are some concerns still there to be addressed.

1. India has a huge digital gap and to overcome it is hardly possible within given period of 4
yrs of programme. National fiber optic network is already way back of its schedule. The
expectations are too high.

2. Lack of implementation is basic issue. The National optimal fiber network is behind the
schedule and there are no sign of accelerated implementation.

3. Absence of ‘Privacy Law’ expose the users of these programmes to risk of ‘identity theft’,
misuse of database and cyber abuse.

4. E-governance programme without process re-engineering is just adding another layer

without bringing efficiency. Also it would limit the access to vulnerable and marginalized
people.

For program to be successful, government needs to address the genuine concerns raised.
There is need for ‘privacy law’ and ‘data protection measures’ to increase trust of people in
such programs. It would help in increase usage of government services.