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NEW DELHI: “Digitalisation of governance enabled uninterrupted office working even during the COVID pandemic. Digital India was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2015 and therefore much before the pandemic struck, our governance options were already in place”.
This was stated here on Tuesday by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh while addressing the Economic Times “Digitech Conclave 2025”, where he highlighted the critical role digital governance played in enabling the Indian government’s seamless operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. He lauded the Modi Govt’s visionary initiative in launching Digital India in 2015, far ahead of any global counterparts, which has proven vital during the pandemic and ensured a more citizen-centric, smarter governance model.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, elaborated on how India was well-prepared to handle the exigencies brought on by the pandemic, with nearly 70-80% of the country’s public digital infrastructure in place well before the crisis struck. This early adoption of digital solutions ensured that government services continued uninterrupted even at the peak of the pandemic, when the rest of the world was in lockdown, he recalled.
He also highlighted how Prime Minister Modi’s leadership ensured that 80 crore citizens were provided with food security, and that no one suffered from starvation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that compensation for various sectors was seamlessly delivered via UPI and other digital platforms. Notably, the Aadhaar system and the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) trinity played a crucial role in this process, making it possible to reach out to millions directly and efficiently.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised several government schemes launched under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, with a special mention of Ayushman Bharat. He described Ayushman Bharat as a unique health initiative that not only provides cashless treatment but also covers pre-existing conditions. He lauded this program for being one of a kind in the world, emphasizing its far-reaching impact on the lives of millions of citizens.
He also highlighted the success of the Swamitva Mission, which empowers citizens to be the rightful owners of their land. Under this initiative, citizens no longer need to rely on revenue officials to prove ownership, and the entire process has been made legally viable. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that approximately 60-70% of the land in India has already been mapped under this initiative, empowering citizens and ensuring legal recognition of land ownership.
Dr. Singh shared that India’s governance model has attracted attention from around the world, with hundreds of civil servant delegations from neighboring countries visiting India for capacity-building programs. He underscored the importance of initiatives like RTI (Right to Information)on Mobile app and CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), which have set global benchmarks for transparency and accountability in governance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also pointed out the growing integration between the private and government sectors in recent years, particularly with the unlocking of the space sector. He noted the significant investment influx in India’s space economy, which is projected to reach up to $45 billion. Additionally, he lauded the government’s decision to unlock the nuclear energy sector, calling it a crucial step toward energy self-sufficiency.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by praising Prime Minister Modi for adopting a “Whole of Government, Whole of Science, and Whole of Nation” approach, which has transformed India’s socio-economic landscape. He emphasized that the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, and the scientific community are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for India.
