Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. File | Photo credit: ANI
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India would not have been the fastest growing economy if its people had not leveraged digital infrastructure.
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The minister highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in making India one of the fastest growing economies. “Today, India would not have been the fastest growing economy if its people had not taken advantage of the digital infrastructure, which was available to them for free,” he said.
Speaking at the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, on Tuesday (October 22, 2024), Ms. Sitharaman also attributed India’s success to the widespread adoption of digital infrastructure by its citizens.
She emphasized that providing free digital access to the public, coupled with extensive campaigns and awareness programs in local languages, has helped people across the country embrace technology.
“The digital access we have given our citizens is a very powerful tool, and as they have adapted to technology, we have seen the outcome,” Ms Sitharaman added. This digital outreach has given millions of people the opportunity to take advantage of various services and opportunities.
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The Finance Minister also highlighted how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has transformed access to essential services for the Indian people. This infrastructure has democratized access to benefits, making it easier for people in remote areas to join government initiatives.
She added: “It reached the people through various campaigns and awareness programs even in their own local language.” India’s achievements in digital governance have been recognized globally, including during the G20 Presidency.
Ms. Sitharaman noted that this digital revolution has not only boosted economic growth but also positioned India as a leader in digital transformation, benefiting both its people and the economy. This strong digital foundation, she believes, is a key reason for India’s rapid economic progress in recent years.
The minister also noted that India is at a very critical juncture in terms of the ways in which India should move forward. “We have set ourselves the goal of being a developed country by 2047,” she said.
The minister stated that infrastructure, which includes both physical and digital infrastructure, investments, which include both public and private investments, innovation and inclusivity – these four ‘I’s’ – will face the challenging path of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Published – Oct 23, 2024 10:32 AM IST
