Government Plans to Encourage Private Sector Development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Apps in Key Sectors of Indian Economy
Government Encourages Private Sector to Develop Digital Public Infrastructure Apps
In a bid to boost the digital economy and promote innovation, the Indian government has announced plans to encourage the private sector to develop digital public infrastructure (DPI) apps in key areas of the economy. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed this initiative during her budget speech on Tuesday, highlighting core sectors such as credit, agriculture, ecommerce, education, health, law and justice, logistics, MSMEs, services delivery, and urban governance.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of tech startups, Indian IT services providers, and local operations of big tech companies. The government aims to leverage technology to improve productivity, bridge inequality, and drive digitalization across various sectors. This includes initiatives like easing credit assessment for MSMEs, supporting tech startups with growth opportunities, and enhancing data governance and collection.
Furthermore, the government plans to implement DPI in agriculture with the help of state governments, aiming to cover farmers and their lands within three years. This includes digital crop surveys, enabling Kisan Credit Cards, and introducing land-related reforms in rural and urban areas. The focus will also extend to sectors like agriculture, space, solar, and small nuclear reactors, promoting innovation and research in emerging technology-oriented fields.
With a strong emphasis on innovation, research and development, the government’s Rs. 1 trillion innovation fund is expected to drive advancements in spacetech, deeptech, and other emerging sectors. Additionally, investments in human capital through skilling loans, educational loans, and internships are set to benefit the technology sector. While AI and quantum technology were not explicitly mentioned, the government’s allocation for the AI Mission and National Quantum Mission indicates a push towards leveraging advanced technologies in sectors like electric vehicles, agriculture, and healthcare.
Overall, the government’s focus on promoting digital infrastructure development in key sectors is poised to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create new opportunities for tech companies and startups in India.