PM Modi Celebrates a Decade of Digital India Initiative
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated a decade of the Digital India initiative on Tuesday, reflecting on its significant impact on the nation. He emphasized how the program has transformed the lives of 1.4 billion Indians and positioned India as a leader in the global digital landscape. In a LinkedIn article, Modi highlighted the initiative’s achievements, including increased internet connectivity and the democratization of technology access.
Transformative Journey of Digital India
Launched in 2015, the Digital India initiative aimed to enhance access to technology and governance for all citizens. Prime Minister Modi noted that the program has fundamentally changed how governance, education, and commerce operate in India. He pointed out that internet connections have surged from 250 million in 2014 to over 970 million today. This expansion includes the installation of more than 42 lakh kilometers of Optical Fibre Cable, which connects even the most remote villages. Modi also mentioned that India’s rollout of 5G technology is among the fastest in the world, reaching strategic military areas like Galwan and Siachen.
The Prime Minister’s reflections were supported by a recent release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), which stated that nearly 692,000 kilometers of optical fiber have been laid under the BharatNet project, covering over 218,000 Gram Panchayats. The number of internet users has increased by 285% over the past decade, while data costs have dropped to less than ₹10 per GB, making technology more accessible to the general public.
Key Achievements and Innovations
Modi highlighted several digital platforms that have emerged as global models, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which now processes over 100 billion transactions annually. He also discussed the success of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), which have saved the government over ₹3.48 lakh crore by eliminating fraudulent beneficiaries. The DBT program has facilitated the transfer of ₹44 lakh crore directly to citizens, thereby reducing leakages and the need for intermediaries.
Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned the SVAMITVA scheme, which has issued over 24 million property cards and mapped 647,000 villages, resolving long-standing land disputes. He emphasized that India’s digital economy is a powerful tool for inclusion, with initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, and women-led businesses.
Global Leadership in Digital Infrastructure
Modi described India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a model for other nations, citing platforms like CoWIN, DigiLocker, and FASTag. Under India’s G20 Presidency, the country launched a global DPI repository and established a $25 million fund to assist other countries in adopting inclusive technology systems. According to the PIB, India’s digital economy contributed 11.74% to the GDP in 2022-23, with projections suggesting it could rise to 13.42% by 2024-25 and potentially reach 20% by 2030.
The Prime Minister also noted that India ranks among the top three startup ecosystems globally, bolstered by initiatives such as the $1.2 billion IndiaAI Mission. As of May 2025, India boasts over 34,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), providing the largest affordable computing access in the world.
A People’s Movement
In his concluding remarks, Modi stated that Digital India has evolved beyond a government initiative to become a people’s movement. He called for continued efforts to empower citizens through technology that fosters unity and inclusivity. The Prime Minister’s reflections on the initiative underscore its role in shaping a digitally empowered India, where technology serves as a catalyst for growth and development.
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