Introduction: 

India is stepping up its drive towards digital transformation with the imminent launch of Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). BHASKAR is all set to accelerate innovation and collaboration within the Indian startup ecosystem.

 

Why in the news? DPIIT's New Startup Facilitator, "BHASKAR"

- BHASKAR, being launched under the Startup India program, is aimed to centralise and streamline the interactions in the startup ecosystem.

- This initiative is expected to aid over about 1.46 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups by allowing them personalised engagement through unique BHASKAR IDs.

- Notably, the platform has been designed to foster innovation, employment opportunities, and enhance the overall growth trajectory of India's startup sector.

- The central vision is to establish India as a global leader in entrepreneurship.

 

Understanding India’s Startup Ecosystem 

- In the global arena, India holds the third position in terms of startup ecosystem.

- From 2014 to 2023, startups in India have experienced a substantial increase from around 7,000 to over 80,000.

- The rise of over 100 unicorns and a few decacorns underlines the success and maturity of Indian startups.

 

Digital India Programme - A Game Changer

- Launched in 2015, the Digital India Programme has facilitated several crucial Government schemes such as BharatNet, Make in India, Startup India, Standup India, among others.

- This initiative is framing the present decade as 'India’s techade', owing to India's tech prowess clubbed with the data and demographic dividend.

- The programme includes several significant schemes:

  1. Diksha: Targets to equip all teachers across the nation with advanced digital technology.
  2. eNAM: Pan-India electronic trade portal connecting Agricultural Produce Market Committees across states.
  3. eSanjeevani: A telemedicine service platform launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
  4. DigiBunai: Assists weavers in creating digital artwork to translate the saree design to be loaded onto the looms.
  5. PM SVANidhi scheme: Aimed at providing affordable loans to street vendors and encouraging digital transactions among them.

- During Covid-19, the Digital India Programme further proved to be a lifesaver with offerings like the Aarogya Setu app for contact tracing.

In conclusion, the BHASKAR platform and the Digital India Programme are the perfect representation of India’s striving towards digitization, innovation, and collaboration. These initiatives are clearly reinforcing India's resolve to become a global leader in technological advancement and entrepreneurship.