70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly introduce DPI and its importance. Explain the role of DPI as an enable of digital transformation Explain how DPI is improving public service delivery at a large scale Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems that enable universal access to public goods and services. DPI acts as a critical enabler of digital transformation, ensuring efficient, inclusive, and transparent service delivery at scale, especially in a large and diverse country like India.

Body

Financial Empowerment through DPI:

• UPI ensures seamless digital transactions for all.
  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed India into the world’s fastest-growing digital payments market.
  • In October 2024, the UPI set a new record by facilitating 16.58 billion financial transactions in just one month.
• JAM trinity: Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity has enabled financial inclusion.
  • The JAM architecture has brought 500+ million people into the formal financial system, aiding direct benefit transfers (DBT).

Improved Delivery of Welfare Services:

• DBT reduces leakage and ensures targeted welfare delivery.
  • In FY23, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) transactions reached an all-time high of ₹7.16 lakh crore, benefiting citizens under several schemes like PM-KISAN and LPG subsidy.
• DigiLocker enables secure and paperless access to official documents.
  • The DigiLocker platform currently caters to 434.9 million users and has enabled the issuance of 9.4 billion documents.
  • It improves access to certificates, IDs, and academic records without physical paperwork.

Efficient and Transparent Governance:

• CoWIN enabled transparent vaccine delivery during the pandemic.
  • The CoWIN portal managed over 2.2 billion vaccine doses, offering real-time access to slots and vaccination certificates.
• GeM streamlined public procurement with transparency and competition.
  • The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) enabled ₹5 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) worth procurement, especially empowering MSMEs and small suppliers.

Promoting Inclusion and Digital Equity:

• e-Shram integrates informal workers into formal social systems.
  • With over 30.68 crore unorganized workers have registered, e-Shram supports social security planning and emergency relief for unorganized workers.
• AePDS ensures food security through Aadhaar authentication.
  • The Aadhaar-enabled Public Distribution System eliminated duplicate ration cards and improved delivery to over 80 crore beneficiaries.
• ONDC democratizes e-commerce for small traders.
  • The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) provides a level playing field to local sellers and kirana stores in the online marketplace.

Conclusion

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure has become a cornerstone of inclusive and scalable governance. By integrating technology with welfare and market access, DPI enhances citizen empowerment. Going forward, bridging digital divides, ensuring data privacy, and strengthening cyber-resilience will be vital for sustaining India’s digital transformation journey.