Hindu Editorial Analysis : 4-August-2023
As India assumes a leadership role in the global discussions about digital public infrastructure (DPI) and embarks on its journey of digital transformation within the G20, the opportunity is ripe to direct our efforts towards building inclusive DPIs. In this essay, we will delve into the concept of DPI, highlight India’s successful adoption of DPIs, provide suggestions for enhancing inclusivity, and address challenges that need to be overcome.
Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to a range of digital solutions designed to facilitate essential functions for both public and private service delivery. These functions encompass collaboration, commerce, and governance, mirroring the roles of physical infrastructures. DPIs act as digital pathways, ensuring seamless access to vital services and benefitting society at large.
India’s Progress with DPI Adoption
India has made significant strides in establishing DPIs that have garnered widespread usage and positive impact. Notably, Aadhaar has been instrumental in achieving financial inclusion, as recognized by the World Bank. The synergy between Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile services has revolutionized transparent direct benefit transfers, channeling welfare subsidies to underserved individuals’ bank accounts. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed the payments landscape, enabling real-time digital fund transfers between bank accounts.
The forthcoming decade will usher in sector-specific DPIs, such as account aggregators, Open Network for Digital Commerce, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and Agristack, underscoring India’s commitment to comprehensive digital transformation.
Promoting Inclusivity in DPIs
Prioritizing User-Centric Design: To ensure inclusive DPIs, user-centric design must be a cornerstone. It is imperative to mitigate the risks arising from technology use and prevent the exacerbation of existing inequalities among different demographic groups. To bridge disparities in DPI usage, exploring compatible protocols for feature phones, assisted-tech models, and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) is crucial. This approach provides handholding support to individuals with limited smartphone access or digital literacy.
RBI’s UPI123Pay: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) introduction of UPI123Pay is a noteworthy step towards inclusivity. This app empowers feature phone users with essential UPI functionalities, including cardless cash withdrawals at ATMs, enhancing their digital experience.
Embedding Inclusion in Policy Objectives: Making inclusivity a central policy objective within the DPI ecosystem is paramount. Global examples, like Nigeria, the UK, and Brazil embracing open banking for financial inclusion, demonstrate the importance of integrating inclusivity within the regulatory framework. Estonia’s information policy also emphasizes reducing information disparities, particularly relevant for data-sharing DPIs equipped with advanced consent technologies.
Identifying Underserved Segments: To drive true inclusivity, DPI participants must identify underserved segments and tailor use cases to meet their specific needs. Monitoring the impact of DPIs on vulnerable consumers through disaggregated data collection is essential to prevent further marginalization and promote equitable growth.
Engaging with DPIs: For successful DPI adoption on a large scale, meaningful engagement is necessary. In a country like India, where digital connectivity and literacy pose challenges, addressing these barriers is critical. Offline channels, alongside building institutional capacity for trust-building and awareness generation, can ensure last-mile access and empower vulnerable consumers to leverage DPI tools.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Data Collection and Breach: A common concern across these platforms is excessive data collection, often exceeding technical requirements. This practice poses risks of data breaches and associated individual and societal harms.
Lack of Adequate Legal Framework: India lacks a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy and a finalized data protection law, leaving users without clear guidelines and safeguards. Additionally, the absence of a legal definition for the functions, roles, and responsibilities of platforms like Aarogya Setu, CoWIN, and Government E-Marketplace raises questions about governance and accountability.
Why In News
As India takes the forefront in driving discussions on digital public infrastructure (DPI) and spearheading digital transformation within the G20, the present juncture presents a unique opportunity to guide these efforts towards fostering truly inclusive DPIs. By prioritizing accessibility and equitable participation, India can set a visionary example that inspires global collaboration in shaping digital landscapes that benefit all segments of society.
MCQs about Nurturing Inclusivity in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Journey
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What does DPI stand for in the context of the essay?
A. Digital Private Infrastructure
B. Dynamic Public Integration
C. Digital Public Infrastructure
D. Data Processing Interface
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Which initiative has facilitated transparent direct benefit transfers of welfare subsidies to underserved individuals in India?
A. Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
B. Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity
C. Aadhaar
D. Open Network for Digital Commerce
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What is the purpose of RBI’s UPI123Pay?
A. To provide a platform for online shopping
B. To enable cardless cash withdrawals at ATMs
C. To offer government services through a mobile app
D. To facilitate international money transfers
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Why is user-centric design important for inclusive DPIs?
A. To increase government control over digital services
B. To reduce the usage of technology among the population
C. To prevent exacerbation of inequalities and address diverse needs
D. To make DPIs more expensive for high-income users
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