India’s remarkable rise of becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world has drawn significant attention and acclaim, capturing headlines for all the right reasons globally. This inspite of the geo-political global headwinds. While this gigantic achievement speaks for itself, there is a need to analyse how this feat was achieved and what is in store for the future. A critical aspect that often goes unnoticed in discussions about India’s economic ascent is its robust Digital Infrastructure today, developed over the last many years.
The advanced digital India framework, commonly known as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has served as a vital foundation, enabling the development of a new and innovative growth architecture for the Indian economy. The digital revolution in India has not only optimised existing sectors but also driven efficiency and entrepreneurship. As we look ahead, understanding the role of this digital backbone will be essential in formulating plans for the future.
One of the earliest challenges in realising this vision was integrating millions of Indians who comprised the vast informal sector, many of whom lacked access to basic banking facilities. A breakthrough in addressing this issue was the introduction of Aadhaar cards in 2009. This initiative had a transformative, two-fold impact: it not only enabled individuals to open bank accounts but also facilitated the acquisition of mobile SIM cards. This sparked a digital revolution at the grassroots level, empowering people and fundamentally changing the landscape of connectivity and financial inclusion in India.