India’s digital inclusion story: Lessons from the synergy of digital connectivity and DPIs

• by MSC
• Feb 15, 2024
• 1 min
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India’s digital revolution has been driven by collaboration between public and private sectors, fostering innovation and improving service delivery. The Department of Telecommunications and Ministry of Communications has played a crucial role in facilitating digital connectivity. India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) programs are now a benchmark for developing resilient and inclusive digital service delivery models. These programs can advance financial and digital inclusion, especially for economically disadvantaged individuals, and offer lessons for addressing socioeconomic issues.

The report was first published on the India Mobile Congress website in October 2023.

Over the past decade, India has seen transformative moments that have propelled its digital revolution onto the global stage. The collaboration between the public and private sectors has been a driving force to foster innovation, improve service delivery, and prioritize user-centered experiences. These initiatives have evolved digital infrastructure and given rise to disruptive ICT innovations, adaptable regulatory frameworks, supportive policies, and an unwavering commitment to customer-centricity. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has played a central role in this remarkable journey, serving as a pivotal force in facilitating digital connectivity.

Against the backdrop of current and emerging development challenges in both developed and developing economies, India’s extensive digital connectivity and pioneering Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) programs stand as beacons of progress in the nation’s digital economy. These DPIs are now well-positioned to serve as valuable benchmarks to craft resilient and inclusive digital service delivery models in other economies. Their significance is particularly evident in how they can advance financial and digital inclusion, with a special emphasis on individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and offer valuable lessons to address the unique socioeconomic issues faced by both developed and developing nations. This report highlights crucial Indian case studies across diverse areas, such as identity, financial services, healthcare, education, and agriculture. It underscores the potential for these cases to be replicated and adopted to benefit developed and developing nations alike.