CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION

1. Introduction

India's digital technology underwent an epochal shift with the economic liberalization of
19911, which fuelled the expansion of the country's IT sector and digital infrastructure. The
National e-Governance Plan in 20062 and the Information Technology Act of 2000 3 paralleled
digital and economic changes in the nation and expedited the progress of digital inclusion.
The biometric database Aadhaar, which was introduced in 2009, 4 made it easier for citizens to
get government benefits and services. According to reports, there were 135.5 crore 5 holders
as of January 2023. Subsequently, the goal of the 2015 Digital India project was to provide
easy access to government services and platforms for all residents. Therefore, development
has been accelerated by digital investments in India's ecosystem of tech-based startups,
including banking platforms, e-commerce, healthcare services, organization, and online
marketplaces.

The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) 6, created by the government in 2006, was one of the
first programs focusing on digitization and e-governance. Although the strategy ran slow
paced in its early years, but it laid the groundwork for developing a technology-enabled
knowledge economy. There has been significant progress made thereafter. For example, the
Ministry of External Affairs established an e-passport seva portal 7 that enabled an online
application, an integrated interface for the many stages of the passport application process.
The next phase of fast growth in the economy was aimed to entail widespread use of
technology in all sectors of the economy.

1
Ashok Kotwal, Bharat Ramaswami and Wilima Wadhwa, “Economic Liberalization and Indian Economic
Growth: What’s the evidence?” Journal of Economic Literature 1 (2010).
2
National e-Governance Plan, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India
available at: https://www.meity.gov.in/divisions/national-e-governance-plan (last visited on 2 November,2023).
3
Information & Technology Act, 2000.
4
Uttar Pradesh Driving Innovation through Information Technology, available at
https://informatics.nic.in/article/739.
5
Achievements Made under Digital India Programme, available at: pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?
PRID=1885962 (last visited on 31 October 2023).
6
CAG GOI, “Promoting e-Governance- The SMART Way Forward” (2018).
7
Know passport seva, available
at:https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/knowPassportSeva, (last visited on 30 October
2023).
“Digital India”8 programme is a technology-driven initiative with the goal of transforming
India into a digitally enabled society and knowledge economy. The use of information
technology to deliver public services is a key component of digital India. The primary goal of
Digital India is to ensure that various government benefits are provided through electronic
means of communication, also the people of India from various states may communicate with
one another and other governmental agencies. The government works to improve access to
various government benefits for the citizens by providing digital infrastructure and by
improving internet access so that it may be readily distributed throughout the country and,
also to Government agencies, beneficiaries and intermediaries that may get together without
any barriers.

8
Digital India: For digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, available at:
https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/digital-india-digitally-empowered-society-and-knowledge-economy#tab=tab-
1 (last visited on 1 November 2023).
1.2. THE CONCEPT OF MODERN WELFARE STATE AND BASIC GOVERNANCE
STRUCTURE

Under the welfare state theory of governance, the state is primarily responsible for
safeguarding and advancing the social and economic well of its people. It offers a social
safety net that may include things like housing, healthcare, education, and nourishment. The
welfare of the disadvantaged and marginalized groups in society cannot be guaranteed in the
absence of fair and equal distribution of resources and opportunities. It is a vital aspect of
contemporary government that it benefits everyone in society. It refers to a wide variety of
activities and procedures that comprise the "social safety net," which ensures that all persons
have access to basic services provided which is essential for growth of citizen and society.
The modern welfare state, according to sociologist T.H. Marshall, is a unique fusion of
capitalism, welfare, and democracy. This is why the government is putting various programs
into place for the public.9

The welfare state as defined by the Constitution of India encompasses more than just the
provision of specific necessities like shelter, food, health care, and education. The Indian
Constitution envisions a welfare state that is comprehensive in nature.

Article 38 of Constitution of India provides- “State to secure a social order for the promotion
of welfare of the people:

1. The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as
effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic, and political, shall
inform all the institutions of the national life.

2. The State shall strive to minimise the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate
inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities, not only amongst individuals but also
amongst groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.”10

The initiative in India under e-governance is called Digital India. However, e-governance was
first used in the 1970s when the Indian government founded the National Informative
Centre’s "Department of Electronics.11" This was a significant step in introducing the idea of
e-governance in India, with Maharashtra being the first state to implement comprehensive e-

9
K.P Kusuma, “Government Schemes And Its Awareness Among Tribal People: With Special Reference To
Kodagu District”, International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, C683, (2022).
10
Article 38, Constitution of India,1950.
11
Supra note 6.
governance practices and policies12. The District Information System of the National
Information Centre (DISNIc) digitized all manual operations at all district offices and
provided free software and hardware to the state government in 1987.

The impact that digital India aims to create is a step towards modern welfare state in
digitalised and globalised world. The Digital India vision strengthens the drive for modern
welfare state by fostering inclusive growth that encompasses electronic services, goods,
gadgets, manufacturing, and employment possibilities. India must work toward fulfilling the
ambitions of its people in the twenty-first century, ensuring that the government and its
services are accessible to all and have a beneficial long-lasting effect.13

1.2.1 Models of e-government

The government, businesses, employees, and people may all share e-governance services.
The following are these four e-governance models14:
1. Government to Citizen (G2C)
2. G2G, or Government to Government
3. Government to Employee (G2E) Relations
4. Government to Business (G2B)

1. Citizens to government (G2C) The shared government services are referred to in this
e-governance approach. Citizens go to the desired service link from this page. This
exemplifies a close relationship between the state and its people. This model offers
the following types of services:
 Online bill payment for utilities including phone, energy, and water bills, among
others.
 Online application registration.
 A duplicate and copies of land record.
 Completing complaints online.
 Accessibility of all types of information on the internet.

2. G2G, or government to government. The shared services between the governments

are referred to in this concept. Numerous departments, agencies, and organizations of
12
Nikita Yadav, V.B. Singh, “E-Governance: Past, Present and Future in India”, International Journal of
Computer Applications (0975 – 8887), (2012).
13
Supra note 8.
14
Supra note 12.
 the government must exchange a great deal of information. These categories of data
or services include:
 Information exchanged between different state police departments.
 E-governance facilitates the exchange of government papers, encompassing
the production, approval, dissemination, and preservation of all governmental
documents.
 Most budgetary and financial tasks are also completed via e-governance.

3. Business to government (G2B): By means of this model, ties between the public and
private sectors deepen and businessmen conversed in the past they exchange data,
using this model, such as- The tax collection process, this also handles the rejection
and acceptance of patents. Example- Full payment of all fines and expenses, Data,
regulations, and information of all kinds are shared publicly, this can reveal any form
of displeasure or complaints.

4. Employees to the government (G2E): Transparency between the government and its
employees is improved by this arrangement. Here, staff members may monitor the
operation and working the government and the administration's ability to retain its
staff. This model shares the following details:

 Submission of any type of data (attendance records, personnel file, etc.) from
several government offices is what this model does.
 An employee can submit several grievances and discontent with this model.
 All rules, regulations, and information related to staff are shared. Workers can
view their salaries and employment history document. Workers can register a
variety of working forms on internet.
 1.2.2. E-Governance Measures Around The World
 E-governance capabilities of a nation are measured the world over by the UN
e-government survey rankings. As of 2014, India’s global rank was 118, out of
182, in these rankings15.

15
United Nations: E-government survey, available at:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/portals/egovkb/documents/un/2014-survey/e-gov_complete_survey-
2014.pdf (last visited on 5 November 2023).
  According to a research report16, in the United States of America, 90% of the
citizens use websites as the primary method of interacting with the
government and 75% prefer to complete government transactions online. E-
governance is also seen as a mark of trust and transparency-- 67% people are
more likely to trust the government when they can interact with it on the
internet. Research14 also suggests that digitizing and changing government
service delivery mechanisms to a digital form could help governments across
the world save U.S.$1trillion annually (cumulative).

16
The Foresee E- Government Satisfaction Index, available at:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150219005616/en/The-ForeSee-2014-Q4-E-Government-
Satisfaction-Index-Underscores-Rising-Importance-of-Digital-Channels-in-Serving-Citizens (last visited on 5
November 2023).

  Not only is e-government popular in India, but it is also over the world. Many
developed and developing nations have made positive efforts toward the
growth of e-governance in their individual countries to improve the
effectiveness, responsiveness, and transparency of government operations.
 Some notable E-governance initiatives of top ranked countries are following:
 USA Colorado: - USA: On July 18, 2001, a task force was established to
determine the top initiatives for achieving strategic government changes and to
begin reshaping government to better serve the interests of citizens
completed.17Numerous initiatives:
 1. Recreation One Stop: - This undertaking was initiated on April 31, 2002. It
sought to: A deal with the private sector was concluded on launch of fresh
internet recreation initiatives. There are more leisure initiatives accessible on
the internet.
 2. Online tax filing: The beginning of this project began on April 31, 2002. It
is intended to: Online tax return filing and refunding. For the 2003 season, the
industry partnership free e-filling solution was initially deployed.
 3. Sales of Federal Assets: they began on March 31, 2003. It sought to Create
a trial business integration program and hold federal sales again.
 4. HR/E-Payroll: - launched on March 31, 2002. Goaled to finalize and send in
the business formalities.
 5. Health and Human Services Eligibility Citizen Portal18, objective of the
Health and Human Services Eligibility Citizen portal to affirm reduction in
manual data entry, enhancing reach and accessibility to public service benefits
for citizens. The steps had led to major workload on ground in ease and hassle
free interaction with the stakeholder.
 Australia’s notable citizen service is Mobile Application Creation,
Department of Health, and Ageing19, aims to extend Better Health Channel
(BHC) portal into the mobile phone arena through smartphone app, the app
would allow its users to access real time data in the portal and avail services
through it.
17
David C. Wyld, “The Cloudy Future Of Government: Cloud Computing and the Public Sector Around the
World”, International Journal of Web & Semantic Technology (IJWesT), Vol 1, Num 1, (2010).
18
E-governance and Digital India Empowering Indian Citizens Through Technology, “Deloitte. ASSOCHAM
INDIA” 11 (2015).
19
Ibid.
  Singapore has recently launched Application of Analytics, Land Transport
Authority, aims to provide its citizens integrated and sustainable, land
transport network through enhanced learning and decision making through
data20 the analytics provided are from governmental agencies that can be used
for other key initiative progress too.
 France government have started a model for- Single Page Access to
Multiple Government Entities that aims to reduce inefficiencies caused by
multiple portals of government entities. Now, France’s citizen can access all
government agency services from one single access portal, that would help in
easy navigation online for all services at one point.21


20
Supra note 19 at 12.
21
Ibid.
1.3. DIGITAL INDIA SCHEME AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi at the UN Sustainable Development
Summit22 said that “Today, much of India’s development agenda is mirrored in the
Sustainable Development Goals” and this could be reflected in the central government motto
"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Participation of All, Growth for All) that can advance globally
with Digital India's support on a global scale - with Analysis (policy, government process
reengineering, multi-purpose platforms and effective decision support systems), Advocacy
(open standards, open data, grievance redressal and Information, Education &
Communication (IEC)), and Action (building capacity and content, swift deployment and
replication of successful e-governance projects, multi-stakeholder partnerships and

international cooperation)23.

Source: UN SDGs 2030 Agenda.

22
Digital India for Sustainable Development Goals Pathways for Progress, available at:
https://www.local2030.org/library/674/SDG-Vision-for-Digital-India.pdf (last visited on 3 November,2023).
23
Id. at 5.
The five Ps of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are people, planet, prosperity,
peace, and partnership. Agenda 203024 comprises 17 specific goals that must be accomplished
by 2030. These goals include the eradication of poverty, the abolition of hunger and
malnutrition, the improvement of health and well-being, education, gender equality, water
and sanitation, energy, growth, resilient infrastructure, reduction of inequality, responsible
consumption and production, urbanization and habitat, climate change, life on land, life
below water, peace and justice, and global partnerships. These are significant issues that need
to be given serious, immediate attention for now and future.

The SDGs will be achieved when the national vision is translated into a plan with defined
execution and milestones. The Global Roadmap for Digital India offers a clear, targeted, and
futuristic modern approach for India's leadership in the SDGs and their expedited attainment.
Through its initiatives, the SDG agenda's implementation at the federal, state, and municipal
levels may be evaluated and reviewed. There is a great deal of potential in Digital India to
guarantee sustained growth both domestically and internationally.

SDG goals are aligned with key areas of Digital India vision:

1. Digital Infrastructure as a Core Utility for Every Citizen

2. Governance and Services on Demand,
3. Digital Empowerment of citizens.25

The Global Roadmap26 aims to improve service delivery and raise living standards for
sustainability metrics in nations all over the world by utilizing Digital India, underlying
technology, information, and innovation. Rapid project replication and rollout, best practice
acceptance, and capacity building at all governmental and civil society levels are among the
possible advantages. These include financial inclusion and job programs, secure citizen
identity for improved social sector targeting, effective government-to-citizen (G2C) transfers
for poverty reduction, safe document registries, and cooperative application development.
Digital India can support more efficient transportation networks, e-commerce and e-
procurement, energy efficiency for industry and homes in developing nations, and a decrease
in trade and travel that emits greenhouse gases.

24
Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, available at
https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda (last visited on 3 November 2023).
25
Supra note 8.
26
Ibid.
The Prime Minister’s vision and commitment has enabled NITI Aayog’s clear direction to
have a 15-year Vision, 7-year strategy and 3-year Action Plan for achievement of SDGs.
Digital India is already leveraged by central ministries and state governments to improve
their SDG strategies. In view of this, as also the fact that technology and innovation offer a
disruptive model of accelerated achievement, Digital India confidently assures the meeting of
SDGs with resilience to achieve ambitious milestones.
1.4. DIGITAL INDIA INTIATIVE- AN OVERVIEW
On July 1, 201527, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi launched “Digital India” with the
goal of connecting rural regions to high-speed internet networks and promoting digital
literacy. The Government of India began the Digital India campaign to guarantee that
government services are made available to people through digital government infrastructure
and technology connection in the country. The effort includes ambitions to build high-speed
internet networks in rural locations.

1.6.1. The vision of Digital India. Vision comprises of three key areas that would lead to
build an overall environment for digitally enabled, empowered, and educated India, the 3
visions are28 -
(a) Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen
(b) Governance & Services on Demand- Digital delivery of government services, and
(c) Digital Empowerment of Citizens- Universal digital literacy.

Vision 1. Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen: -Aims for creation of safe and
robust digital infrastructure by providing high-speed internet as a basic need; a unique,
permanent, online, and authentic digital identity to individuals. Bank accounts and mobile
phones that allow access to digital and financial spaces and simple access to a common
service centre; shared private spaces on public clouds; safe and secure cyberspace.

Vision 2. Governance & Services on Demand- vision focusses on digital delivery of

government services and seamless integration across departments or authorities. Aims to
provide real-time services accessible via web and mobile platforms, also cloud-based access
to all citizen rights; Digitally changed services to increase ease of doing business by
encouraging electronic and cashless financial transactions; and the use of GIS for
development and decision support systems for working of Digital India vision.
Vision 3. Digital Empowerment of Citizens-an aim to achieve universal digital literacy by
providing- Digital resources that are universally accessible; available on the cloud and in
Indian languages; providing digital platforms that facilitate collaboration for participatory
governance; and the portability of all entitlements through the cloud.
The program aims to give the “nine pillars” of growth the necessary impetus: The 9 pillars of
growth elaborated by government for Digital India to be a success are:
27
Supra note 8.
28
Ibid.
PILLAR SUMMARY
1. Broadband Highway To provide high-speed broadband coverage highways
connecting about 250,000 villages, various government
departments, universities, etc. To provide an integrated
information infrastructure with integration of State Wide
Area Network (SWAN), National Knowledge Network
(NKN) and National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN).
2. Universal access to To provide mobile connectivity to about 42,300 villages.
mobile
3. Public Internet To make 250,000 CSCs operational at Gram Panchayat level
Access Programme for delivery of government services. To convert 150,000
(PIAP) post offices into multi-service centres.
4. E-governance To use business process re-engineering to transform
government processes and make them simple, automated,
and efficient.
5. E-Kranti To use technology for service delivery such as e-education,
e-healthcare, technology for planning, farmers, security,
financial inclusion, justice, etc.
6. Information for all To provide open access to government information and
documents online. To provide two-way communication
between citizens and the government through online
platforms and social media
7. Electronics To target net zero imports by 2020, through various actions
manufacturing in areas such as taxation/incentives, economies of scale,
skill development, government procurement, etc.
8. IT for jobs To provide necessary skills and training that enable the
youth to avail jobs in IT/ITes sector.
9. Early harvest To focus on execution of project within short timelines, such
programmes as IT platform for messages, e-greetings from the
government, biometric attendance, Wi-Fi in all universities,
etc.
Source: DeitY on “Digital India, A programme to transform India into a digitally empowered
society and knowledge economy”.

The present status of some of the key initiatives undertaken by MeitY under Digital India
programme across the country is as follows:

 Aadhaar: A 12-digit biometric and demographic identification that is unique, permanent,

online, and authenticable is provided via Aadhaar. – comes under purview of The
Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act,
2016 was notified on March 26, 2016, providing Aadhaar with further legal support.
More than 135.5 crore citizens have registered.29.
 Common Services Centres – Through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), CSCs
provide digital government and commercial services in rural regions. - 400 digital
services are available from these CSCs. Currently, 4.14 lakh CSCs are operational at the
Gram Panchayat level, out of the 5.21 lakh CSCs that are operational nationwide
(including in urban and rural regions). In the state of Rajasthan, there are 23,035 CSCs
that are operational, of which 18823 operate at the Gram Panchayat level30.
 Digi Locker: Issuers can upload documents to digital repositories using gateways and a
set of repositories offered by Digital Locker. More than 13.7 crore people utilize Digital
Locker, and 2,311 issuing organizations have made more than 562 crore documents
available through Digi Locker31.
 Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) – for giving citizens
an overview and access of government services via mobile devices. UMANG offers more
than 20,197 bill payment services and more than 1668 e-Services.32
 e-Sign: Citizens may quickly and legally sign forms and documents online with the help
of the e-Sign service. Many apps that use UIDAI's OTP-based authentication services are
utilizing the services. All agencies issued more than 31.08 crore e-Signs, of which 7.01
crore were issued by CDAC.33

29
Achievements Made under Digital India Programme, Ministry of Electronics & IT, PIB Delhi, 23 December
(2022).
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
 MyGov – It is a platform for citizen involvement designed to make participatory
government easier. Currently, more than 2.76 crore people have registered with MyGov
and are using the platform to take part in a variety of activities.34
 Meri Pehchaan 35– In July 2022, the Meri Pehchaan National Single Sign-on (NSSO)
platform was introduced to make it easier for citizens to access government sites. 4419
services from different Ministries and States combined with NSSO in total.
 Digital Village36: In October 2018, MeitY also launched the "Digital Village Pilot
Project." The initiative covers 700 Gram Panchayats (GPs)/Village, with at least one
GP/Village per District in each State/UT. Digital health services, education services,
financial services, skill development, solar-powered street lighting, government-to-citizen
(G2C) and business-to-citizen (B2C) services are among the digital services provided.
 CO-WIN37 - It is an open platform for management of registration, appointment
scheduling & managing vaccination certificates for Covid-19. It has registered 110 crore
persons and has facilitated administration of 220 crore doses of vaccinations.
 NCOG-GIS Applications38: National Centre of Geo-informatics (NCoG) project, is a
GIS platform developed for sharing, collaboration, location based analytics and decision
support system for Departments. So far, 659 applications across various domains are
operational.
 National Knowledge Network39: A high speed data communication network has been
established to interconnect Institution of higher learning, and research. So far, 1752 links
to Institutions have been commissioned and made operational. 522 NKN links have been
connected to NIC district centres across India.
 Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) 40: The
Government has approved a new scheme titled “Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital
Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)” to usher in digital literacy in rural India by covering 6
Crore rural households (one person per household). It has 6.63 crore registered candidates
and out of this, 5.69 crore candidates have been trained and 4.22 crore have been
certified.

34
Ibid.
35
Meri Pehchan, available at: https://meripehchaan.gov.in/ (last visited on 5 November 2023).
36
Digital Village, available at: https://digital-village.in/ (last visited on 5 November 2023).
37
Co Win, available at: https://www.cowin.gov.in/ (last visited on 5 November 2023).
38
NCOG GIS, available at: https://ncog.gov.in/(last visited on 5 November 2023).
39
National Knowledge Network, available at: https://nkn.gov.in/en/ (last visited on 5 November 2023).
40
Pradhan Mantri Grameen Digital Saksharta Abhiyan https://www.pmgdisha.in/faq/ (last visited on 5 November
2023).
 Unified Payment Interface (UPI)41 is the leading digital payment platform. It has
onboarded 376 banks and has facilitated 730 crore transactions (by volume) worth Rs
11.9 lakh crore.
 Cyber Security: The Government has taken necessary measures to tackle challenges
regarding data privacy and data security through administering the Information
Technology (IT) Act, 2000 which has necessary provisions for data privacy and data
security. India has made it to the top 10 in Global Cyber security Index (GCI) 2020 42
launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on June 29, 2021, moving
up 37 places to rank as the tenth best country in the world on key cyber safety
parameters43.

With the help of digitization and connectivity, a cashless and paperless economy, and a start-
up innovation environment, are measures by which India is developing its own growth plan.
The increased use of technology will propel economic growth in India 44. The number of
people using smartphones is increasing in the nation; by 2020 45, 700 million users are
anticipated, and there will be 331 million internet users. One billion people may authenticate
100 transactions in real time each day with Aadhaar UID. India Stack is a comprehensive
collection of developer APIs that includes, among other things, e-KYC, e-sign, and Aadhaar
for authentication. To realize the goal of Digital India, all of these will accelerate
technological disruption, digital connection, and the expansion of tech start-ups.

1.4.1. ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL INDIA

The goal of Digital India initiative is to provide all residents with universal access to digital
resources, such as digital literacy and inclusion. The MyGov website is available to get
suggestions from the public and concentrate on figuring out how to get others to make the
switch to cashless purchases. The various sectors have positively impacted through Digital
India provides sustainable environment for Digital mobility and good governance in the
country, few major key takeaways are:

41
Unified Payment Interface, available at: https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/product-overview (last
visited on 4 November 2023).
42
Global Cybersecurity Index, available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/733657/global-cybersecurity-
index-gci-countries/ (last visited on 4 November 2023).
43
Ibid.
44
How Digitisation paves the way for overall growth of Indian economy, available at: http://www.investors-
clinic.com/blog/how-digitalization-paves-the-way-for-overall-growth-of-indian-economy/#more534 (last visited
on 3 November 2023).
45
Ibid.
 Workplace: With an expected total, a continuous expense of INR 1,000 billion plans, as
well as INR 130 billion for suggested and fresh plans for creation of jobs in Information
and technology sector. Digital India wants to generate 17 million direct jobs by and, by
201946 ,85 million indirect employment. The activities pertaining to instruction and digital
government literacy initiatives and private industry participants like NDLM, The Digital
Literacy Mission, among others, effectively connecting with millions of people of
individuals.
 Delivery of Public Services: Digital India in Terms of Speed and Quality has improved
the public's digitalization services by expanding their scope and effectiveness in
providing services. The quantity of transactions involving e-governance has increased
from 2014's 3.5 billion to 2015 saw over 7 billion, suggesting that E-services are growing
in popularity and down to the pyramid's base 47. The state is concentrated on boosting last
mile connectedness by offering a cheap internet connection to rural residences and
establishments.
 Universal Accessibility: Citizens now have universal accessibility thanks to the
DigiLocker service, which enabling them to obtain and distribute records. Now, there are
around 4 million people signed up 5.0 million48 documents among users uploaded to the
facility of the digital locker.
 Inclusion of society: With Digital India, the ability to overcome obstacles in the
schooling system is insufficient facilities and a high dropout rate 40% in primary
schooling, has reached to a low of 28:1 student-teacher ratio and subpar rate of gross
enrolment (21% in higher instruction)49. The state has earmarked INR 1 billion fifty to
construct a virtual both in classrooms and via online instruction to solve the scarcity of
teachers and issue with instructor quality50. Digital India's use of Smart Class products has
established several private schools in India prior to the adoption of technology as
compared to other schools in the world.51
46
Digital India - A programme to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy,
CMAI Association of India. available at: http://www.cmai.asia/digitalindia/pdf/Digital-India-DeITY-Details.pdf
(last visited on 4 November 2023).
47
Digital India effect: e-governance transactions double, available at: http://www.oneindia.com/india/digital-
india-effect-e-governancetransactions-double-2015-197979 (last visited on 4 November 2023).
48
DigiLocker Webpage, Nov 2016. available at: https://digilocker.gov.in/ (last visited on 4 November 2023).
49
India Education Statistics, available at:
http://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/statistics/EAG2014.pdf (last visited on 4 November 2023).
50
Rs 100cr likely to be allocated for virtual classrooms, available at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-
2014/pre-budget-2014/Rs-100crlikely-to-be-allocated-for-virtual-classrooms/articleshow/37676680.cms, (last
visited on 4 November 2023).
51
New education policy targets quality education sector available at:
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-02-11/news/59043737_1_ new-education-policy-quality-
Massive open online courses (MOOCs), or online learning environments, offers simple
accessibility from any location. The current MOOC uptake rate 8.8%52 52 has been gradually
rising. OLabs (Online Labs)53, however, are anticipated to raise the performance of students
by provide educational resources and already 90,00053 people have signed up.

 Healthcare and Medical: Digital India provides the ability to offer remedies for issues
like availability of doctor 1:167454 patient ratio, worse quality doctors, inadequate
medical treatment infrastructure, unequal accessibility to medical resources and guidance
in remote regions55, and superior medical care prices. The program for e-hospitals is
accelerating the pace of healthcare delivery services by letting patients make reservations
appointments through the internet. Sehat, or Social Endeavour for Health and
Telemedicine, designed with a view that will expand health coverage by offering Citizens'
access to healthcare regardless matter where they are located a site with around 60,000
CSCs providing services for teleconsultation as inside Sehat56.
 Financial Inclusion: India Post Payment Banks (IPPB) is expected to benefit 40% 57 of
the population which is currently outside the formal banking system by providing digital
and online banking services through post office. The mobile and internet banking will
increase the coverage and volume of financial transactions which will be key in the light
of the recent demonetization and move towards cashless economy.

education-education-sector, (last visited on 4 November 2023).

52
Indian Students flocking to free virtual US classrooms, available at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/indian-students-flocking-to-freevirtual-us-classrooms/article1-
1048315.aspx (last visited on 4 November 2023).
53
OLab Users in India, available at: https://www.amrita.edu/news/it-minister-presents-digital-india-award-
amrita-create-labs (last visited on 4 November 2023).
54
Doctor patient ratio in India, available at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/grim-picture-of-doctor-patient-
ratio/1/654589.html (last visited on 4 November 2023).
55
Digital India and its impact on healthcare, available at: http://mag.biotecnika.org/2015/10/digital-india-its-
impact-on-healthcare/ (last visited on 4 November 2023)
56
India launches telemedicine initiative 'Sehat' available at: http://smartgovernance.in/?p=1784 (last visited on
4 November 2023)
57
India Post Payments Bank to be a reality, available at: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-
policy/india-post-payments-bank-tobe-a-reality-116060101947_1.html (last visited on 4 November 2023)
1.5. DIGITAL INDIA SCHEME IN STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

To provide 24x7 Information and Technological assistance, National Informatics Centre

(NIC)58 is present in all 75 of the state's districts as well as key departments including the
Chief Minister's Office, Board of Revenue, High Court, Finance Department, etc. With more
than 30,000 nodes, 80,000+ email accounts, and 10 Gbps Internet bandwidth provided to all
Tehsils & Block level through 885 Point-of-Presence (PoPs) of SWAN, the network
connection through NICNET, NKN, SWAN, & SCAN (Sachivalaya Campus Area Network)
is impressive. More than 100 servers running more than 250 websites and 450 databases are
housed in the NIC Data Centre. NIC also offers a range of State Government employees,
district courts, and jails PC and studio-based video conferencing services.

The NIC Uttar Pradesh has carried out several significant ICT projects, some of which are:

1. NeVA:59 National e-Vidhan IS a mission mode project aims to build digitalised State
legislatures and paperless offices, creates a data depository of all the legislatures of
the country. The program provides access to a variety of information, including
member contacts, rules, legislation, committee reports, etc., enabling intelligent
management of housekeeping tasks. The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh,
Yogi Adityanath, formally introduced the application at two different locations:
UPLA on May 19, 2022, during the summer session, and UPLC on December 8,
2022, during the winter session60.

2. UP MineMitra61: UP Mine Mitra portal helps in digital allotment of leases for the
mining of minerals on leased territories. The Department of Geology and Mining,
62
GOUP, which generates income over Rs. 1500 Cr annually through MineMitra
shows the portal has help in availability of the services to various stakeholders and
benefits government and businesses.

58
Rajeev Joshi, “Uttar Pradesh-Driving Innovation through Information Technology” available at
https://informatics.nic.in/article/739 (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
59
NeVA, available at: https://neva.gov.in/Home/DownloadNeVA (last visited on 5 November 2023).
60
UP eGovernance Projects Showcased in Informatics April 2023.
61
UP MineMitra, available at: https://upmines.upsdc.gov.in (last visited on 2 November 2023).
62
Ibid.
 3. E-District63 Uttar Pradesh: Ever since its establishment in 2013, eDistrict has been
offering residents of Uttar Pradesh an extensive array of official services, which
includes the issue of essential documents including income, death, and birth
certificates. Additionally, the website makes it easier for residents to apply for a wide
range of government programs and subsidies, including healthcare plans, pensions,
and scholarships, and it provides quick access to pertinent data on government
programs and services.

Data- Applications received on eDistrict UP during 1 st April 2022 and 28 March 2023.
Source: PIB Informatics April. 2023.

Furthermore, to guarantee the prompt delivery of services to residents, it has connected

smoothly with many government agencies. This integration has been essential in encouraging
accountability and openness in Uttar Pradesh's governance.

4. ePension UP64: ePension is an online portal that provides pension-related services to

retired personnel. It gives access to several pension-related services, including the
ability to apply for pensions, monitor the progress of their applications, and receive
payments straight into their bank accounts. It has an application and payment status
tracking dashboard with an easy-to-use interface. To streamline the application
process and decrease fraud, the platform employs Aadhaar authentication.

63
Ibid.
64
ePension About, available at https://epension.up.nic.in/ (last visited on 2nd November 2023).
 5. Srishti65 is a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) site which offers
precise, dependable, and user-friendly data for organizing, developing, and carrying
out infrastructure projects. The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (UPPWD)
and NIC UP worked together to construct the site, which is intended to meet the
unique requirements of the state government. To facilitate the identification of
potential risks and challenges in infrastructure, Srishti has been integrated with the
following systems: UPPWD Road Asset Management System, Natural Resource
Information System (NRIS), UP Police Examination Centre Mapping, MNREGA
Works Mapping, Paddy Crop Residue Burning Incidence Mapping, and UP er,
Village Mapping 2011.
6. Jansunwai Samadhan66is a platform that gives people a place to address their
objections, complaints, and opinions about government programs and services. Since
its introduction, it has developed into a crucial instrument for residents to express
their issues to the government directly. It offers an easy-to-use interface for citizens to
file complaints, along with pertinent information including their name, contact
information, and the specifics of their complaint. Citizens can monitor the status of
their complaint by using the special reference number they are given upon
registration. Additionally, Jansunwai Samadhan has related to several government
agencies, which facilitates the tracking of complaints and the prompt resolution of
them by authorities.

7. DARPAN (Dashboard for Analytical Review of Projects Across Nation) 67 is a

multilingual, adaptable dashboard solution for top government officials. For the
purposes of planning, assessing, and keeping track of certain plans and projects, it
provides real-time data on important performance metrics. Users may tailor their
perspective to prioritise information and improve data analysis by combining
numerous data sources into a single centralized platform. The dashboard finds
patterns in the data to offer more comprehensive project views.
District Magistrates, Divisional Commissioners, the Chief Secretary, the Governor,
and the Honourable Chief Minister now have DARPAN dashboard instances thanks
to NIC UP.

65
Shristi portal, available at https://gis.up.nic.in:8080/srishti/pwd/mis/mis. (last visited on 1 November 2023).
66
Jansunwai Samadhan, available at http://jansunwai.up.nic.in/ (last visited on 1 November 2023).
67
Rajeev Joshi, “Uttar Pradesh-Driving Innovation through Information Technology” available at
https://informatics.nic.in/article/739 (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
 8. The NIC UP (The National Informatics Centre) created the cutting-edge web-based
PRERNA68 (Property Evaluation & Registration program) program, which makes it
easier for properties in the state to be registered online. The purpose of the application
is to expedite and simplify the property registration procedure, enabling residents to
register their properties online without having to make in-person trips to the
registration office. Users may be informed about the status of their application by
following the real-time progress of their registration application. With the help of its
document management system, customers may upload and maintain all the paperwork
needed to register a property, including sale deeds, power of attorney, and identity
verification documents.

9. Digital Land69portal is an integrated and interoperable method for expanding e-

Services into the state's rural Land distribution, information, and registration areas. It
consists of the following seven web applications: Revenue Court Cases Management
System (RCCMS), BHULEKH, Bhu Naksha, Khasra, Online Mutation, Anti Bhu
Mafia Portal and UP SVAMITVA.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious "Digital India" initiative has been projected at
total cost of Rs. 1 lakh crore 70 with the goal to make India a knowledge economy and society
that is enabled by technology in all spheres—ICT infrastructure, electronics production, e-
governance services, capacity building, and employment generation. Numerous projects
envisioned for the Digital India Program are now operational. The following projects have
been carried out by the Department of Electronics and IT:

Digital Locker71: The central government had opened a national repository to house the
crucial identity verification documents and certifications. All the users' vital documents—
which have been digitally validated by the government—will be kept in each private locker.
Now made it easier to verify when needed by providing links to digital folder copies.

68
Prerna Portal available at https://igrsup.gov.in/ (last visited on 2 November 2023).
69
Digital Land, available at https://upbhulekh.gov.in/ (last visited on 3 November 2023).
70
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with beneficiaries of various, available at:
https://pib.gov.in/pressreleaseiframepage.aspx?prid=1731392 (last visited on 2 November 2023).
71
"Digital Locker, available at: https://www.meity.gov.in/digital-locker (last visited on 5 November 2023).
Digital Life Certificates72: These programs are for retired government personnel, called
"Jeevan Pramana." Every year, they provide the government with their digital Aadhar number
and biometric information to ensure their pension is continued. It will eventually allow the
pension disbursing agency to access a digital life certificate as it will be uploaded in real-time
to a central database.

MGNREGA's Digital Boost73: The MNREGA rural employment program will now use a
mobile monitoring device. A real-time online database update is now being provided by an
implementation agency that uses real-time data from the work locations.

Samvad:74 on Twitter: Through SMS and tweets, the public will be able to learn about new
government activities, initiatives, and services.

Madad (Help): Indian nationals residing overseas would be able to electronically submit
concerns to the consulate for speedy resolution using the "Madad" 75 site. Any National can
still access its portal.

Cyclone Warning System: In addition to fishermen, farmers, and the public, district
magistrates and collectors will be the recipients of an SMS-based weather information and
catastrophe alarm system.76

Online Single-Return File Facility77: An online tool that allows businesses to submit a single,
common return on its portal to abide by up to eight labour rules at once.

Online PAN card issuance available in 48 hours 78: A PAN card will be issued 48 hours after
an online application is submitted.

eMoney79: By December, offer the Department of Posts (DoP) electronic money order
service. With the help of this service, customers will be able to deliver money securely and

72
Ibid.
73
Ibid.
74
Ibid.
75
Ibid.
76
Ibid.
77
Ibid.
78
Digital Inclusion, GSMA Report, 2014. available at: http://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-
content/uploads/2014/11/GSMA_DigitalInclusion-Report_Web_Singles_2.pdf (last visited on 5 November
2023).
79
Ibid.
quickly the following day at their doorstep. Up to a one-time limit of Rs 5,000 via electronic
money order.

PRAGATI:80 It attempts to solve the complaints of the average person while simultaneously
keeping an eye on and evaluating projects and programs of the federal and state governments.

1.5.1. DIGITAL PROFILE OF UTTAR PRADESH:

Source: Wheremaps.com81

80
Ibid.
81
Uttar Pradesh Map available at: https://wheremaps.com/india/up/uttar-pradesh-map-up-map-district-wise.html
(last visited on 4 November 2023.)
Digital Access: Digital Identity: Aadhaar: Total Population of state of Uttar Pradesh
(Projected 2018)82: 22.89 crore. Numbers of Aadhaar assigned,2018(LIVE): 20.15 crore83.

National Knowledge Network (NKN) avails 86 84 Links to Institutions under NKN have been
commissioned and made operational. NKN Links have also been extended to 62 NIC
Districts. State Wide Area Network (SWAN) that is UP-SWAN established a secured intranet
connecting one State Head Quarter (SHQ) with 70 Districts Head Quarters (DHQ) and 814
Blocks Head Quarters (BHQ). UPSWAN has been utilising more than 70% 85 bandwidth of its
link capacity. This provides a fluent and smooth process for governance to excel and free of
irregularities in disseminating information of officials and offices.

1.5.2. DIGITAL DELIVERY OF SERVICES: Government provide different portals for

accessing government policy benefits and schemes and for ease of doing business, few
common portals for citizens and government are following:

(i) Common Services Centres (CSCs)86 • 67,291 CSCs are functional; out of these,
47,983 CSCs are functional at Gram Panchayat levels. • Number of Women
Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs): 11,965
(ii) e-District87- 26 e-District services have been launched in all 75 Districts.
88
(iii) DigiLocker - More than 7.08 lakh Aadhaar enabled registrations have taken
place. eDistrict UP, Board of High School and Intermediate, Joint Entrance
Examination Council, State Council of Vocational Training, Board of Technical
Education, National Institute of Open Schooling and Department of Legal
Metrology are integrated with DigiLocker.
(iv) UMANG89 (Unified Mobile Application for New-Age Governance) -189 Services
of 49 applications of the Central Government Departments are available on
UMANG. 3.05 Crore Soil Health Cards have been issued.

82
Digital Bharat Saksham Bharat- Compendium on Digital India, Ministry Of Electronics & Information
Technology available at: digital_bharat-saksham_bharat-a_compendium_on_digital_india.pdf (meity.gov.in)
(last visited on 4 November 2023)
83
Ibid.
84
Supra note 50 at 212.
85
Airtel launches UPSWAN 2.0 to build backbone for digital Uttar Pradesh available at:
https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/digital/airtel-launches-upswan-2-0-to-build-backbone-
for-digital-uttar-pradesh/70432203 (last visited on 4 November 2023).
86
Common Service Centres, available at: https://csc.gov.in/ (last visited on 4 November 2023).
87
E districts, available at: https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/in/en/Public/ContactDetails.html (last visited on 3
November 2023).
88
DigiLocker: An Initiative Towards Paperless Governance, available at: https://www.digilocker.gov.in/ (last
visited on 4 November 2023).
89
Umang, available at: https://web.umang.gov.in/landing/aboutus (last visited on 5 November 2023).
 (v) eHospital - 90eHospital has been implemented in 48 hospitals 91 in Uttar Pradesh,
which includes major hospitals such, as, King George’s Medical University; Dr
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civil Hospital, Lucknow; Dr Ram Manohar Lohia
Combined Hospital, Lucknow; Balrampur Hospital, Lucknow; SBD District
Hospital, Saharanpur; and many more. The same is running on cloud network. •
Around 1.40 crore ehospital transactions have been recorded, which includes
OPD, IPD and LAB registrations.
(vi) e-Transactions under eTaal92 2.0 Project: 236 e-Services have been integrated.
Around 175.8293 crore e-transactions have been recorded, electronically by
various e-Governance applications
(vii) National Scholarship Portal (NSP)94: Around 11.13 lakh applications have been
received; 8.03 lakh applications have been successfully verified.
(viii) eSign95: e sign is a facility where one can procure digital signature of themselves
96
that can be used in digital platforms and are verified signs. Nearly, 68.16 lakh
esigns have been issued.
(ix) Mobile Seva97 is a nation-wide Mobile Governance initiative of the Government
of India.17 Departments/services have been integrated for Push SMS. Over 4.79
crore, 98SMSs have been sent by the government departments of Uttar Pradesh
using this platform. 3 Mobile applications pertaining to the departments of Uttar
Pradesh have been downloaded over 1.01 lakh times.

Digital Empowerment through Digital Inclusion are visioned through ongoing projects of
state government for providing skill and infrastructure for digital literacy and
empowerment.

 Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India99 -Total Target: 15,000 candidates.
State Implementing Agency: Uttar Pradesh Electronics Corporation Ltd. (UPECL),

90
e-Hospital., available at: https://ehospital.nic.in/ehospitalsso/aboutus.jsp. (last visited on 2 November 2023).
91
Ibid.
92
NIC – eTaal, available at: http://etaal.gov.in/(last visited on 2 November 2023).
93
Ibid.
94
National Scholarship Portal available at: https://scholarships.gov.in/ (last visited on 2 November 2023).
95
E Sign portal, available at: https://cca.gov.in/eSign.html (last visited on 2 November 2023).
96
Ibid.
97
Mobile Seva, available at: https://mgov.gov.in/ (last visited on 3 November 2023).
98
bid.
99
Supra note 50 at 213.
 Lucknow, with over 8,808 Candidates have been enrolled and trained; out of which,
6,899 have been certified.
 Electronics and ICT Academy at IIT, Kanpur 100 has been established under the
scheme of financial assistance for setting up of Electronics and ICT Academies,
MeitY has set up one of the Electronics and ICT Academy at IIT Kanpur, out of 7
such academies set up at premier and leading institutions in the country. Academy has
been set up for faculty development of engineering/ other streams and is catering to
assigned States/UTs, namely Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
 Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project Phase II 101 , The
proposed ISEA phase 2 started with MNIT, Allahabad; C-DAC, Noida and NIELIT,
Gorakhpur; they have been selected for implementation of ISEA Project Phase II in
the capacity of Participating Institute (PI) and Implementing Agency (IA). NIELIT,
Gorakhpur has been designated as coordination centre for awareness activities. Outlay
for 5 years: Rs 605.59 lakh. Funds released: Rs 242.75 lakh 102. 2,653 Candidates have
been trained/ under-going training in various formal/ non-formal courses and 611
Government officials have been trained in short term programmes of 2/3/5 days
duration in Information Security. Besides this, 27 awareness workshops on
Information Security have been organised covering 2,605 participants.
 Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) 103: The
implementing agency for the scheme is CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
Indicative target: 111.71 lakh persons. 38.07 Lakh persons have been trained; out of
these, 20.76 lakh persons have been certified.
 Special Manpower Development Programme for Chips to System Design
104
(SMDP-C2SD) An umbrella programme spread across the country including IITs,
NITs, IISc, IIITs and other engineering colleges. From the State of Uttar Pradesh, IIT,
Kanpur as Resource Centre and IIT BHU; IIIT, Allahabad; MNNIT, Allahabad have
been included under the programme as Participating Institutions (PI) in the cluster of
IIT, Kanpur.

100
Ibid.
101
Ibid.
102
Ibid.
103
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan available at: https://www.pmgdisha.in/ (last visited on 4
November 2023).
104
Special Manpower Development Programme for Chips to System Design available at:
http://smdpc2sd.gov.in/ (last visited on 4 November 2023).
 State-of-the-art VLSI Design lab equipped with EDA Tools has been set up at IIT Kanpur;
IIT BHU; IIIT, Allahabad; and MNNIT, Allahabad.

1,705 Persons have been trained at B. Tech, M. Tech, and PhD. levels at IIT, Kanpur; IIT
BHU; IIIT, Allahabad; and MNNIT, Allahabad in VLSI design/ System design in the first
two years of the programme.

 National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) 105:

NIELIT, Gorakhpur caters to Training & Education needs of Diploma/ Graduate/
Master Level students and corporate training programmes for Small-Scale Industries
and allied sectors. It also conducts training programmes for promotion of potential
entrepreneurs through various services. This centre is affiliated to Dr A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, UP for the conduct of MTech in “Electronics
Design and Technology” and MTech in “VLSI Design”.

To boost Digital Entrepreneurship and Industry the Promotion of Electronics

Manufacturing plays a significant role in the digital India initiative. Few promising steps
of UP government are-

(i) Greenfield EMC, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida:106 Implementing

Agency: M/s U.P. Electronics Corporation Limited (UPLC). Area: 100 acres •
Project Cost: Rs 155.67 crore. Legal/administrative agreements to be executed.
Project is under nascent phase of implementation. Government Grant-in-aid
amounting to Rs 10.00 crore has been released.7 Units have booked its land.
Infrastructure development is under progress.
(ii) Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) 107 - Under M-SIPS
scheme, a total of 59 applications with investment worth Rs 22,919 crore have
been received and are under consideration. Out of these 59 applications, 22
applications with proposed investment worth Rs 10,491 crore have been
approved.

105
Government of India: National Institute of Electronics & Information, available at:
https://nielit.gov.in/calicut/index.php (last visited on 5 November 2023).
106
Electronics Manufacturing Policy 2017 available at: https://upempolicy.in/emc.php (last visited on 5
November 2023).
107
Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) available at:
https://www.meity.gov.in/esdm/incentive-schemes (last visited on 5 November 2023).
Promotion of IT/IT Enabled Services- India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS)108: In-
Principle Approval (IPA) has been issued to 13 successful bidders to set up 13 BPO/ ITES
operation for 3,330 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Out of 3,330 seats, 3,130 seats have been
operational. Centres and Incubation Space109: There are four incubation centres operational
at Allahabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Noida for promotion and training centres. National
Centre of Excellence for Large Area Flexible Electronics (NCFleXE) implemented by Indian
Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

In India, the state of Uttar Pradesh has been implementing a series of e-governance services
to improve transparency and accessibility to government services. The “Digital India”
initiative, launched in 2015, has been embraced by the government, with various services and
employment opportunities available to the public. The 'Digital India' scheme has been a
significant driver of these services, with beneficiaries such as self-employed individuals,
students, and retired individuals benefiting from digital payment services, online education,
e-district services, healthcare services, direct benefit transfer, public grievance redressal,
employment opportunities, and agriculture-related services.

The scheme has also made it easier for socially and economically weaker sections to access
government services and welfare schemes. It has also improved the accountability of
government officials, reduced corruption cases, and led to faster and more efficient access to
government service delivery. The ease of doing business in Uttar Pradesh has also been
enhanced, with increased employment opportunities being a key benefit. Additionally, the
scheme has provided a platform for employers and unemployed persons to interact for
contracting services in the state.

108
India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS) available at: https://ibps.stpi.in/ (last visited on 5 November 2023).
109
Space Technology Incubation Centres [S-TIC] - Indian Space Research available at:
https://www.isro.gov.in/space_technology_incubation.html (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
1.6. LITERATURE REVIEW
A competent governing body necessitates a good communication platform to effectively
connect with stakeholders. The most efficient method to communicate with the citizens of the
world's largest democracy, is to do so via a digital platform. “Digital India” initiative is the
Indian government's dream project to transform India into an informed economy and digitally
empowered society with excellent governance for citizens by providing synchronization and
coordination in public accountability110. Digital India is a measure taken by the Modi
government to inspire and connect the Indian economy to a technologically informed world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the scheme on July 1, 2015, to make government
services more accessible to citizens.111

The review of literature gives information about previous study by the scholars. A wide range
of academic papers and articles, books, journals providing in-depth information regarding the
function of Digital India and how it will impact governance, ease of doing business, internet
access to all and digital education in India. The following are the findings from the literature:

Shri Narendra Modi gave noteworthy insights in article titled “Vision for Digital India”
(2014)112 elaborated the Digital India scheme vision and effects of the scheme that will be
seen by 2019, such as: 1. Broadband access in 2.5 lakh communities, as well as ubiquitous
phone connectivity. 2. Net Zero Electronics Imports by 2020 Public Internet Access Points
around 400,000. 3. Wi-Fi at 2.5 lakh schools and all institutions, as well as public Wi-Fi
hotspots 1.7 million people have been trained for jobs in IT, telecommunications, and
electronics. 1.7 million direct and at least 8.5 million indirect employments. E-Governance
and E-Services for government departments113. India will be a pioneer in the use of IT in
services like as health, education, and banking. Digitally empowering Indians to have access
to government facilities through public cloud and the internet.

Hemant Joshi authored research paper namely “Digital India Unlocking the Trillion
Dollar Opportunity” (2016)114 shows that while infrastructure development under the Bharat
Net initiative has been moderate to gradual, the last 12 months have seen an exponential rise
in data services based on 4G services provided across the country by telecom service
110
Tarun Soneja, Kamlesh Dixit, Arunesh Kumar, Bharat Jakati, “E- Governance and Digital India Empowering
Indian Citizens through Technology” ASSOCHAM India, (2015).
111
Digital India available at https://csc.gov.in/digitalIndia, (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
112
Narendra Modi, “Vision For Digital India” available at https://www.narendramodi.in/shri-narendra-modi-
shares-his-vision-for-digital-india-5944 (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
113
Ibid.
114
Hemant Joshi, “Digital India Unlocking the Trillion Dollar Opportunity” ASSOCHAM India (2016).
providers. India currently has the world's second biggest internet user base, with 3.8 billion
subscribers.115 This presents a great chance to positively alter residents' lives through digital
technology. The Digital India program is expected to benefit residents over the next several
years by creating job opportunities, boosting the speed and quality of service delivery, and
improving social and financial outcomes. Businesses will gain from increased efficiency,
enhanced ease of doing business and more innovation and investment.

Girdhari Mohanta in his research paper titled “A Study on Growth and Prospect of
Digital India Campaign” (2017)116 shows the outcome of the goal of Digital India i.e., to
provide people with Wi-Fi, create jobs, universal phone connections, high-speed internet,
digital inclusion, e-Services, e-Governance, digital education, National Scholarships Portal,
Digital Lockers System, e-education, and e-health, and to position India as a leader in IT use
solutions. More job opportunities will become available to the nation's students, aspirants,
and other stakeholders which would ultimately boost the economy. The article provides scope
for the study that could be made empirically by taking some issues like financial, social,
political, environmental issues of both urban and rural population.

Amit Kr. Singh and Sheetal Maurya in his research paper titled “A Review of Digital
India Programme and Comparative Study of E-Governance Initiatives around World”
(2017)117 has emphasised how Digital India is effectively integrated with the present reforms
and India's overall National Economic Plan, which largely focuses on economic revival and
inclusive growth. In recent flagship projects such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, Direct
Benefit Transfer, Prime Minister's Bima Yojana, Smart Cities, Ease of Doing Business, Make
in India, Start up and Stand up India, and so on, technological infrastructure and construction
of "broadband highways" play a critical role. To make this program a success, challenges
such as timely development of infrastructure for technology with wide reach, efficient
coordination amongst various departments such as DeitY, DoT, Finance, law, etc., providing
high speed internet to the most remote corners while ensuring cyber security, creating
awareness about how and why to adopt latest technological developments, and facilitating
their adoption by making them affordable. The Digital India initiative has the potential to

115
Rajiv Kumar, “Strategy for New India @ 75” NITI Aayog (2018).
116
Giridhari Mohanta, et al.; “A Study on Growth and Prospect of Digital India Campaign” Saudi Journal
Business Management Studies; Vol-2(7) (2017).
117
Dr. Amit Kumar Singh; Sheetal Maurya “A Review of Digital India Programme and Comparative Study of E-
Governance Initiatives around World” Asian Journal of Research in Business Economics and Management
Vol.7(8) 1-15 (2017).
alter India and boost its international competitiveness, but like every great plan, requires real
dedication in its implementation; only conduct, not strategy, will determine its future.

Swaleha Zubair and Ravi Gaur’s case study titled “Digital India under ICT Regime: A
Case Study” (2018)118 give insights how Aligarh has a significant potential to comprehend
and assimilate digital technologies due to its continual expansion and need for internet traffic.
A digitally linked India, like its model city Aligarh, may assist improve the social and
economic conditions of people living in rural regions by developing non-agricultural
economic activity in addition to giving access to education, health, and banking services.

S.Md. Shakir Ali and Govind according to their qualitative and opinion study- “Digital
Payments: Growth, Challenges and Opportunities In Uttar Pradesh, India” (2017) 119,
even though consumers still prefer cash transactions, becoming accustomed to digital
payments is getting more prevalent. If stakeholders can assure the correct dynamics, such as
sturdy infrastructure, measures for socioeconomic changes and empowering consumers with
an integrated platform, the process of transitioning to digital payment modalities in Uttar
Pradesh and across the country would undoubtedly be more effective.

G.K. Chetan Kumar, K.B. Rangappa and Suchitra S. in their paper titled “Impact of ICT
In Enhancing Learning Experience Among Rural Students in India: An Empirical
Analysis”(2022)120 shows that the study conducted in rural India reveals several crucial
features that would be useful in policy design. Although the research reiterates that
technology is beneficial in improving students' learning experiences, it also highlights that
ease of use differs among streams, even among students in the same location. As a result,
state governments just distributing computers or tablets to children would not improve their
learning outcomes. Before distributing the devices, state governments should provide short-
term courses to acquaint the students with their use especially important for students in arts
stream. Further the study shows that the Karnataka State Government has decided unilaterally
to offer tablets instead of computers to students seeking higher education in Government
Colleges across all streams. A study done in five districts discovered that students found
laptops to be more beneficial than tablets.121As a result study shows that while developing
118
Swaleha Zubair, Ravi kr. Gaur, “Digital India under ICT Regime: A Case Study” International Journal of
Computer Applications Vol 179 Mar (2018).
119
S.Md. Shakir Ali, Govind, “Digital payments: growth, challenges and opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, India”,
International Journal Business Management,10(2) (2017).
120
G.K. Chetan Kumar, K.B. Rangappa, Suchitra S, “Impact of ICT In Enhancing Learning Experience Among
Rural Students in India: An Empirical Analysis” The Online Journal of Distance Education and Learning,
(2022).
121
Id. at 85.
regulations for the distribution of devices to utilize ICT, the government should consider the
views of the stakeholders and beneficiaries involved.

Dr. Charru Malhotra in her work titled “Role of Digital Technologies in Governance”
(2018)122provides beneficial account on digital India’s progress and achievements, the study
suggests a country's development is aided by effective government. To assure the welfare of
the citizens, governments throughout the world have embraced the United Nations
Development Programme's (UNDP) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in
2015 as acceptable governance aims for everybody. Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) are useful tools for engaging with all the cross-currents that connect the
17 SDGs. Digital technologies were first used to provide public services and information in
the early 1990s. These technologies are now regarded as a tool of co-creating values for
citizens, as advocated by participatory government models. This article seeks to investigate
all elements of using digital technology to accelerate governance procedures. This article
seeks to investigate all elements of using digital technology to accelerate governance
procedures. Based on an examination of relevant academic literature and significant field
experience, The article summarizes the evolution of the notion of governance from its basic
iteration of the NPM to the current paradigm of good governance and the Sustainable
Development Goals.123 The paper concludes with the recommendation of establishing a
"Centre of Excellence" (CoE) in India, to conduct R&D activities so that the concepts of
"digital unite" and "accessibility for all" become cornerstones of a digitally united country in
a more equitable global economy.124

Ravi Shankar Prasad in his research paper titled “Towards an Inclusive and Empowered
Nation” (2018)125 highlights the expansion of the digital payments’ ecosystem which is
expected to change the economy. Digital payment transactions have increased dramatically
over the last four years, from 316 crore in 2014-15 to 2071 crore in 2017-18. 126 Today, the
BHIM-UPI (Unified Payment Interface) platform and Ru-Pay debit cards are highly popular
digital payment instruments for sending, receiving, and making payments at merchant outlets.
It is now feasible to obtain government services without carrying any documents. Using more
Over 1.57 crore users have registered 27 requesters and 68 issuers, Digi Locker offers access

122
Dr. Charru Malhotra “Role of Digital Technologies in Governance” International Journal of Open
Government (2018).
123
Id. at 3.
124
Id. at 19.
125
Ravi Shankar Prasad, “Towards an Inclusive and Empowered Nation” Yojana, 2018.
126
Id. at 7.
to more than 336 crore digital certificates format on single platform. 127 India is now one of
the top three economies in the world for digital customers. coordinated actions to encourage
and facilitate the process of digitization, which involves updating digital framework,
enhancing the ability to create norms, and assessing conformance through testing,
encouraging the production of electronics providing suitable rewards, creating ability to use
developing technology and strengthening cyber security as additional services, such as
Digital payments are widely used in economy has the capacity to produce a trillion-dollar
online market by 2025.128

Vinay Shukla, A.K. Pandey, Rahul Singh, and Shrawan Kumar in their paper titled “A
Supervised E-Smart Based Learning & Population Study in Eastern Trai Region Of
Uttar Pradesh India – A Feasible Study” (2015) 129 examines how smart-learning offers a
way to distribute knowledge-based materials via various electronic secondary media storage
devices. The primary obstacles found in this process are the availability of adequate
bandwidth, the readiness of intelligent learners and certain learning habits to impart the
knowledge to students.70% of participants felt that knowledge, improved career possibilities,
promotions and learning about newly emerging technologies are all advantages of smart-
based learning for rural regions.130 It aids in the social and mental development of people
especially in rural regions.

Charru Malhotra in her research paper titled “Enhancing Citizens Participation in the
Processes of Governance: Digital India and My Gov” (2018)131 gives basic theoretical
hypothesis of the suggested model so that public participation and governance processes to be
considered truly inclusive in a varied and dynamic nation such as India, they must be backed
by many instruments and procedures. The availability and widespread use of these
cooperative tools—rather than only "digital," "single-window" ones it would also guarantee
that government schemes and benefits effectively reach people's doorsteps.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s document titled “Digital India for
Sustainable Development Goals: Pathways for Progress” enlighten readers about Digital

127
Id. at 9.
128
Id. at 12.
129
Vinay Shukla, A.K. Pandey, Rahul Singh, Shrawan Kumar, “A Supervised E-Smart Based Learning &
Population Study in Eastern Trai Region Of Uttar Pradesh India – A Feasible Study”, International Journal of
Research in Engineering and Technology Vol4(1), (2015).
130
Id. at 72.
131
Charru Malhotra, “Enhancing Citizens ‘participation In the Processes of Governance: Digital India and My
Gov”, IMODEV Institut du Monde et du Développement pour la Bonne Gouvernance Publique 197 (2018).
India programs that make use of Information and Communication Technologies for
Development (ICT4D) which include mobile, social media, cloud computing, and
data analytics in citizen-centric, business-centric, and government-centric service delivery
through mission-mode projects. Pioneering Digital India initiatives include Aadhaar -
universal digital identification, Jan Dhan Yojana - financial inclusion for every household
and a targeted public distribution system that provides food security to all eligible
households, particularly those living below the poverty line. Transfer of Direct Benefits
(DBT) to all identified beneficiaries, Digital Sakasharta Abhiyan (DISHA) - digital literacy
programme where each household gets access to education, and the Government marketplace
(GeM) allows product merchants to market their products online and service providers to
conduct direct business with government procurement agencies, etc India is being
transformed into a digitally enabled society and digitally informed economy.

Abhishek Beriya in his research paper titled “Digital India Programme: Going Full
Circle”132 gave noteworthy insights on Digital India scheme and processes involved to give
access to all to government facilities. The study shows through digital monitoring and
assessment technologies “Digital India” aims to accomplish and process improvements such
as simpler and faster access to government services, less human engagement between
government and citizens, and greater openness in government activity. It serves these
functions that all measures (for example, faceless tax assessments and online audits of
panchayat finances) Audit Online and geotagging of newly developed public assets are being
done as part of the project. India is going digital and these activities clearly indicate a break
from outdated systems and represent a shift. Change, as we all know, is difficult to implement
on any size, let alone a little one. Government operations and systems are on a grand scale as
a result, continuing support for Digital India is required.

Dr. Prateek Bhanti and Manisha Prajapat in their research work titled “Digital India
Programme: A Vehicle for Rural Development” (2018)133 investigates each program pillars
of “Digital India” to see how they will affect India's rural development growth curve. All nine
beams are as follows: 1. Broad Band Connectivity 2. Universal Mobile connectivity 3. Public
Internet Access Programme. 4. E-Governance 5. e-Kranti 6. Information for All 7. Electronic
132
Abhishek Beriya, “Digital India Programme: Going Full Circle” Centre for Sustainable Development,
Columbia University (2016).
133
Dr. Prateek Bhanti, Manisha Prajapat, “Digital India Programme: A Vehicle for Rural Development”
International Journal of Latest Trends in Engineering and Technology 23-25 (2018).
Manufacturing 8.I T for Jobs 9. Early Harvest Programmes. Give insights how Digital India
has touched on every area of citizens day to day accessibility to government services digitally
to all. With various initiatives that could be digitally availed made life easier for rural citizens
by minimizing the gap between accessibility and availability of all other government
services.

S. Krishna Prabu according to his research paper titled “Digital India-Major Initiatives
and their Impact: A Critical Analysis” (2019)134 highlighted that the Digital India plan may
raise mobile and broadband penetration by 10%, increasing per capita GDP in developing
nations by 0.81% and 1.38%, respectively.135 India is the world's second biggest telecom
market, with 1.16 billion cellular customers, and the world's third largest Internet market,
with around 259 million broadband users. Increase GDP to $1 trillion by 2025, it can have a
significant impact on macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, worker productivity,
business growth, and job creation. With 1.16 billion wireless users, it is the world's largest
market and the world's third largest Internet market, with almost 259 million users million
people have access to broadband136. There is still a significant economic gap opportunity in
India because rural India's tele density is just 45% in areas with more than 65% of the
population. Future the expansion of the telecommunications sector in terms of the number of
Subscribers are likely to come from rural regions as metropolitan areas are saturated. Tele-
density levels in certain regions exceed 160%.137

Digital India Informatics138 article titled “How Digital India Will Be Realized : Pillars of
Digital India ” mentions 9 pillars and vision of “Digital India” scheme i.e. Broadband
highways, universal access to mobile connectivity, public internet access programme, e-
governance: reforming government through technology, e-Kranti - electronic delivery of
services, information for all, electronics manufacturing, IT for jobs and early harvest
programmes each of these sectors is a diverse and interconnected program in and of itself,
involving numerous Ministries and Departments. The central government would be
responsible for implementing Digital India, with the Department of Electronics and
Information Technology (DeitY) providing overall coordination.

134
S. Krishna Prabu, “Digital India-Major Initiatives and their Impact: A Critical Analysis” International Journal
of Recent Technology and Engineering Vol 8(1) 953-957 (2019).
135
Id at 955.
136
Ibid.
137
Ibid.
138
Digital India Informatics, “How Digital India Will Be Realized: Pillars of Digital India” available at
https://digitalindia.gov.in/ (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
Common Services Centre (CSC) portal139 authority under Ministry of Electronic and
Information Technology, Government of India provides real time statistics of services
provided to citizens and as well as availed by them so far. Data given are- Total number of
functional CSCs across India as on 23 September 2023 are 5,77,880 among which 4,60,696 is
in rural area and 1,17,185 in urban areas 140. Total number of transactions 373.39 (in lakh) as
on September 2023 among which 195.72 (in lakh) transactions are through Digital Seva
Portal (DSP) and 177.68 (in lakh) through non-DSP141.

Rajeev Joshi editor of National Informatics Centre’s Informatics titled “Uttar Pradesh –
Driving Innovation through Information Technology” (2023)142 provides crucial data
about statewide ICT Initiatives that includes -24x7 IT assistance for which NIC has a
presence in all 75 districts of the state, as well as fundamental agencies such as the Chief
Minister's Office, Board of Revenue, High Court, Finance Department, and others. The
network connectivity via NICNET, NKN, SWAN, and SCAN (Sachivalaya Campus Area
Network) includes over 30,000 nodes, 80,000+ email accounts, and 10 Gbps Internet capacity
extended to all Tehsils and Block level via 885 SWAN Point-of-Presence (PoPs). 143 The NIC
Data Centre includes over 100 servers that host 450+ databases and 250+ websites 144. NIC
also provides studio and desktop video conferencing services to different State Government
offices, district courts, and jails.

139
Common Services Centres, India, available at https://csc.gov.in/ (Last visited on 1 November 2023).
140
Ibid
141
Ibid
142
Rajeev Joshi, “Uttar Pradesh-Driving Innovation through Information Technology” available at
https://informatics.nic.in/article/739 (Last visited on 1 November 2023)
143
Id at 5.
144
Id at 6.
1.7. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: -

The goal of "Digital India" is to make India a knowledge economy and technology-enabled
society. Using information technology to deliver public services is a key component of the
Digital India initiative. Digital technology is essential to our nation's rapid advancement to
the next level of development. With its many programs, it is closing the gap in social and
financial inclusion. The researcher encompasses an analysis of the foundations and offerings
of Digital India, as well as the degree of public knowledge and acceptance of its services.
Additionally, the study delves into the ways in which Digital India's schemes promote social
security and financial inclusion. The Digital India initiative could improve residents' lives by
augmenting employment prospects, the calibre and promptness of the services provided,
facilitating healthcare access and education and social and economic financial accessibility.

Every citizen involved in this initiative has a great chance to change their life in a variety of
ways that were difficult to imagine even a few years ago. It has been determined that the
young will have more opportunities that will strengthen the country's economy 145. IT is used
in two main categories to enhance government operations and real time delivery of services.

Wi-Fi availability, employment creation, universal phone service, high-speed internet, digital
inclusion, e-services, e-governance, digitally motivated individuals, National Scholarships
Portal, Digital Lockers System, e-education, and e-health, are key initiatives that are result of
Digital India program ultimately positioning the country as a leader in Information and
technology use. The young generation will have more job opportunities, which will
strengthen the economy of the country.

Additionally, a few of the projects are in varying phases of execution, which may call for
some transformational process reengineering, adjustments, and revisions to successfully
execute and meet the intended goals. The government alone cannot guarantee the success of
this dream project; all people and other stakeholders in the country must provide their full
support.

The government must act in several functional areas to guarantee the success of its digital
efforts; some of them are listed below:

1. Ease of doing business and good governance: Digital services provided by the government
are referred to as government e-services. Services for Aadhar cards are one instance of this.
Government e-services include e-books offered by the government, online bill payment for
145
Supra note 98.
utilities like energy and water, online tax filing, etc. The region is controlled more effectively
with more services and amenities offered by the government through digital portal. The
nation will undoubtedly grow if entrepreneurs can use services effectively and conveniently,
which implies that conducting company in the country will be simple.

2. Regulatory structure: The state ought to concentrate on implementing laws that guarantee
seamless implementation of digital services. Guidelines about net neutrality, cash card and
wallet usage services, etc., must be implemented concurrently with the projects under Digital
India. Clarity in regulations will increase people' confidence in government services and
Prompt them to choose these services.

3. Successful execution: There are two important requirements to consider for efficient
application of Digital India programme. Firstly, Improving skill, The government ought to
concentrate on improving workforce skills via use of training initiatives or using private
industry insiders. The public-private sector can work together with the government through
consultancy assignments, PPP models, and other means. Secondly, Planning and executing
out: The government and system integrators together when creating several platforms, nimble
procedures for implementation. The systems created ought to be "future-proof," or adaptable
and scalable in an economical way.

4. Financial limitations: The state needs to draw on the resources that are readily available,
such as funds from the business sector, labour, and budgets, etc. in an ideal way and ought to
prioritize monitoring procedures in place to guarantee proper distribution of resources
strategically placed. financial organizations ought to be more accommodating when
evaluating credit method by which these projects are funded.

5. Close the digital divide: Closing the digital divide requires two main goals: Improving
residents' capabilities: For To make it possible for citizens to benefit from Digital India
endeavours, the government ought to distribute information via a variety of sources and
instruction citizens using various technological devices and interfaces (such as apps, online
portals, etc.).146 Secondly, Governments design digital services-ought to create user-friendly,
intuitive interfaces. The knowledge of the private sector can be used in this feature. Service
suppliers (such as the government organizations, colleges, etc.) ought to create
straightforward procedures so that a user may perform the transactions requiring little
assistance from humans.
146
Dr. Prateek Bhanti, Manisha Prajapat, “Digital India Programme: A Vehicle for Rural Development”
International Journal of Latest Trends in Engineering and Technology 23-25 (2018),
6. Privacy and security: The state and system integrators need to make sure that the use of
modern security techniques. Government should implement relevant privacy measures to
prevent those with access to the data from abusing it147.

The purpose of this research is to determine the general public's awareness of Digital India
services, their level of popularity, and whether they are used by the public. In this research,
Researcher focuses on whether Digital India services have improved people's lives and how
they have made people's lives easier with the digitalization of all services. The research
would examine that does the initiative have achieved to bridge the Digital divide among rural
and urban, educated, and uneducated and among all age groups of society.

147
E Governance and Digital India- Empowering Indian Citizens through Technology, “ASSOCHAM INDIA”
(2015).
1.8. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH:

The aims and objectives of the proposed research are: -

1. To evaluate and assess the role of Digital India movement in ensuring good
governance in state of Uttar Pradesh.
2. To examine and analyse the socio- economic impact of Digital India scheme in the
state of Uttar Pradesh.
3. To evaluate the position of awareness on Digital India initiatives undertaken by the
government amongst the public offices, public officials, and citizens in the state of
Uttar Pradesh.
4. To assess and examine the various issues and challenges faced by the government
while implementing Digital India Scheme in state of Uttar Pradesh.

1.10. RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

The research on Socio Economic Impact Of Digital India Scheme in state of Uttar Pradesh
has been conducted with the under mentioned hypothesis's: -

Whether the Digital India Scheme has been able to ensure good governance in state of Uttar
Pradesh for all including socially and economically weaker sections of the society including
women, children, handicapped, poor persons, villages, remote areas etc?

Whether the Digital India movement has been able to check corruption and abuse of powers
in state government departments?

Whether the scheme has been able to provide employment opportunities amongst all strata of
society?

Whether the ease of doing business has been ensured by Digital India movements in state of
Uttar Pradesh?

1.10. HYPOTHESES

The research on Socio Economic Impact Of Digital India Scheme in state of Uttar Pradesh
has been conducted with the under mentioned hypothesis’s: -

1. “that the Digital India Scheme has been able to ensure good governance in state of Uttar
Pradesh by providing access to government schemes and services to all socially and
economically weaker sections of the society including women, children, handicapped, poor
persons, villages, remote areas etc.”

2. “that the Digital India movement has been able to check corruption and abuse of powers in
state government departments.”

3. “that the Digital India initiative has created employment opportunities to the unemployed
persons in state of Uttar Pradesh.”

4. “that the ease of doing business has been ensured by Digital India movements in state of
Uttar Pradesh.”

1.11. SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

The purpose of this study is to determine the general public's awareness of Digital India
services, their level of popularity, and whether they are used by the public. which service
individuals utilize the most frequently. In this study, we focused on how the digitalization of
all services has improved people's lives and whether it has improved people's quality of life.
The research would help scholars and policy makers in making informed decision and creates
a window for future research and study at other different aspects of the scheme affiliating to
good governance and impact of digital India initiative.

The 'Digital India' scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2015, has significantly
improved transparency in government administration in Uttar Pradesh. The scheme has made
it easier for socially and economically weaker sections to access government services and
welfare schemes. It has also improved the accountability of government officials, reduced
corruption cases, and led to faster and more efficient access to government service delivery.
The scheme has also improved the ease of doing business in Uttar Pradesh, leading to
increased employment opportunities.

However, challenges and difficulties have been encountered while using digital services.
Some challenges in using digital services are, such as the need for proper training and skill
development. The scheme has also provided a platform for employers and unemployed
persons to interact for making contracts of service in Uttar Pradesh.

In conclusion, the 'Digital India' scheme has significantly improved the accessibility and
efficiency of government services in Uttar Pradesh. However, challenges and difficulties
remain, and further research is needed to ensure the success of the scheme.