Hindu Editorial Analysis : 15-December-2023

In the quest for societal development, the imperative lies in ensuring that the advantages of digital public infrastructure (DPI) are accessible to all. DPI encompasses digital solutions facilitating essential functions crucial for public and private service delivery, including collaboration, commerce, and governance.

India’s DPI Experiment – “India Stack”

India’s transformative digital landscape owes its success to pioneering DPI experiments, notably the “India Stack.” This ecosystem harnesses the power of identity, payments, and data sharing, fostering economic growth and inclusivity. Its versatility lies in its ability to span multiple use cases, drive innovation, and promote competition through modular layers.

Concerns & Challenges

Exclusion & Divide: Amidst the digital surge, concerns arise regarding the exclusion of individuals incapable of accessing these systems, deepening the divide between digital haves and have-nots.

Inadequate Connectivity: Despite progress, large segments of the global population lack access to digital systems, posing a significant obstacle as public administration increasingly goes digital.

Lack of Electricity Coverage: In various parts of the world, a century after electricity’s invention, vast areas remain unconnected to an electric grid, hindering digital progress.

Data Collection & Breach: Digital platforms often collect excessive personal information, leading to individual and social harms, including data breaches.

Lack of Legislative Mandate: The absence of legislative mandates for platforms like Aarogya Setu, CoWIN, and Government E-Marketplace raises governance concerns.

Suggestions

Investment in Infrastructure: Significant investments are needed in connectivity infrastructure, including fiber-optic cables, satellite transponders, and cell phone towers, to extend connectivity globally.

Focus on Inclusivity & Capabilities: To ensure widespread benefits, efforts should focus on upgrading digital capabilities and literacy, reaching even those without constant data connectivity.

Making Technology ‘Easier to Grasp’: Incorporating user-friendly design and UX features enhances the accessibility of digital systems, exemplified by India’s UPI fast payment system.

Enhancing ‘Offline’ Access: Providing alternate offline access through QR codes ensures essential functions can be performed locally, improving system accessibility in areas with limited network connectivity.

Why In News

If we want our digital public infrastructure to accelerate development, we need to make sure that its benefits reach everyone in society, fostering inclusivity and addressing the diverse needs of all individuals.

MCQs about Digital Public Infrastructure

  1. What does DPI stand ?
    A. Digital Private Integration
    B. Digital Public Inclusion
    C. Digital Public Infrastructure
    D. Digital Private Interference
    Correct Answer: C. Digital Public Infrastructure
    Explanation: DPI refers to digital solutions facilitating essential functions for public and private service delivery, such as collaboration, commerce, and governance.
  2. What is the transformative ecosystem in India’s digital landscape ?
    A. India Hub
    B. Digital India Framework
    C. India Stack
    D. Indian Tech Nexus
    Correct Answer: C. India Stack
    Explanation: India Stack plays a pivotal role in unlocking the power of identity, payments, and data sharing to drive economic growth and foster inclusivity in the digital economy.
  3. What is a significant concern associated with the proliferation of digital public infrastructure (DPI)?
    A. Excessive Regulations
    B. Inadequate Connectivity
    C. Overwhelming Privacy
    D. Legislative Mandate
    Correct Answer: B. Inadequate Connectivity
    Explanation: Concerns are raised about the digital divide, where a significant portion of the global population lacks access to digital systems, hindering the widespread availability of public services.

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