Exploring the Role and Impact of Digital Governance in India and Future Prospects

Introduction and About Digital Governance

- In recent interaction, the Prime Minister of India and tech titan, Bill Gates, probed into the prospect of utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen digital governance in health, agriculture and education sectors.

- Digital Governance involves leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver streamlined government services, facilitate transactions, and integrate disparate systems of government-to-business (G2B), government-to-customer (G2C) and government-to-government (G2G)

- Crucial within the ambit of digital governance is Data Governance, which is keenly anticipated with the maiden launch of India's Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA).

The Role of AI in Digital Governance

- AI is instrumental in Indian politics, specifically in election campaigns, maximising tech to surmount language barriers thereby promoting linguistic diversity and inclusive engagement.

- Crucially, AI is being harnessed to stimulate economic growth and life-quality enhancements for citizens.

Connective Digital Initiatives

- Vital digital governance initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), CoWIN App, Aarogya Setu, e-Sanjeevani, and e-Hospital have been successful in reaching out to the corners of the country, transforming the healthcare landscape significantly.

- Looking at Digital Governance in Agriculture, the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) aims to accelerate agricultural progress using ICTs.

Internet Connectivity and the Digital Divide

- According to ICRIER's report, the digital divide is highly prevalent in the country, with almost 48% of Indians without internet access and a rural-urban divide reaching a whopping 58%, significantly higher than the world average of 49%.

- Counteracting this, according to IAMAI’s 2023 report, nearly 52% of Indians have access to the internet.

Potential Threats and Challenges

- The increasing reliance on digital systems presents the risk of heightened cybersecurity threats. In 2022, close to 91% of Indian firms have faced ransomware attacks, resulting in financial loss for 55% of them.

- The implementation of DEPA and similar tools have sparked concerns regarding personal data security and privacy. Inappropriate implementation or management can lead to misuse or misappropriation of personal information.

- Digital inequality looms large as a significant concern wherein certain societal sections may fail to gain equal access to digital resources and services.

- Further, the system is challenged by the threat of AI-powered malware, deep fakes distortion, and vulnerability of existing infrastructure to cyber threats.

The Road Ahead

- Looking forward, Digital Empowerment and Online Education are highlighted as central components to reach a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035 as targeted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

- Some key government initiatives aiming to augment digital governance include myGov.in, UMANG, e-Office, Mobile Seva, and Digi-Locker, all developed with the distinct purpose of offering seamless citizen services.

- As India continues to rely heavily on digital governance, it is now critical more than ever before to build robust systems, address potential threats, and ensure fair and secure access to digital resources for all.