Question

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding the Digital India initiative.

1. BharatNet has extended optical fiber connectivity to over 50,700 Gram Panchayats.

2. Digital India includes a component focused on electronics manufacturing.
   

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Both 1 and 2

Digital India Initiative

• Digital India is a flagship program launched by the Government of India on July 1, 2015.
• Its overarching vision is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• The initiative is structured around three key vision areas:
  • Digital Infrastructure as a Core Utility to Every Citizen.
  • Governance and Services on Demand.
  • Digital Empowerment of Citizens.
• The program aims to ensure government services are available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and boosting digital literacy.
• It is overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

BharatNet Project

• BharatNet, formerly known as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), is a crucial component of the Digital India initiative.
• Its primary objective is to provide high-speed broadband connectivity (at least 100 Mbps) to all 2.5 lakh (250,000) Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India.
• The project aims to facilitate the delivery of e-services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance at the grassroots level.
• As part of its phased implementation, BharatNet has significantly progressed in extending optical fiber connectivity to a large number of Gram Panchayats. The figure of "over 50,700 Gram Panchayats" reflects a notable achievement in expanding digital infrastructure to rural areas.
• The project is being implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.

Electronics Manufacturing under Digital India

• Yes, promoting electronics manufacturing within the country is a core pillar and a major thrust area of the Digital India program.
• The initiative recognizes the strategic importance of increasing domestic production of electronic goods to reduce India's reliance on imports and stimulate economic growth.
• A specific goal set under this component was to achieve "Net Zero Imports" in electronics by 2020 (an ambitious target to drive indigenous production).
• Key schemes and policies formulated to boost electronics manufacturing include:
  • Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS): Offers capital subsidies to electronic manufacturing units.
  • Electronic Development Fund (EDF): Aims to foster an innovative ecosystem in the electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector.
  • Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) Scheme: Provides financial assistance for developing world-class infrastructure for electronics manufacturing.
  • More recently, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, including mobile phones and specified electronic components, has been introduced to further incentivize domestic and global players to set up manufacturing in India.
• The focus is on establishing India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, fostering innovation, and creating significant employment opportunities.