Digital dreams

India is justifiably proud of its prowess in information technology. We can boast of the largest mobile company in the world, but for too many people digital connectivity is a dream, especially if they are distant from urban centres. Yet there is no doubt that in the last 20 years or so, India has made impressive strides in connecting its people with the digital world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India initiative seeks to do much - connect 2,50,000 villages by 2019, encourage the manufacture of electronic goods, and attract an investment of over $70 billion. 

All this is needed because a reality check reveals that out of 1.3 billion Indians, there are just 100 million broadband subscribers, who are served by a network that is rated 115th globally in average Internet speed. The government has, over the years, made progress in e-governance, but it is by far short of what has been achieved, for instance, by Estonia. Cyber security is a pre-requisite for any shift into the digital world, as the PM pointed out. Cyber attacks and subsequent leakage of information from targeted government officials show a lack of robustness in the Indian response. The legal infrastructure too needs to be pushed into the digital age, with special emphasis on ensuring the privacy of citizens. 

While various initiatives towards e-governance have proved successful over the years, they have often missed original deadlines. What is lacking is a collective vision to build information infrastructure that is access neutral, ensures privacy and security, and is future-proof. The digitisation of government services goes a long way in bringing transparency in functioning and in curbing corruption and the poor have shown remarkable adaptability in availing such services, even in areas of bad connectivity. They, however, need information in their local languages. Here the services fall short, in spite of grand announcements. Digital empowerment will remain a dream as long as rural India is bereft of what urban India considers an essential service.