Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?

1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• On July 1, 2015, the Prime Minister launched the “Digital India” Programme. It is designed to provide a significant boost to nine key growth areas referred to as the pillars of Digital India.
• These pillars include Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, e-Governance, e-Kranti, Information for All, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, and Early Harvest Programmes.
• The programme focuses on three main areas: ensuring digital infrastructure reaches every citizen, delivering digital services and governance on demand, and empowering citizens through digital means.
• The objective of the “Digital India” plan is to connect all villages and gram panchayats in India with broadband internet, promote e-governance, and transform the country into a knowledge economy driven by connectivity.
• Therefore, it can be concluded that statement 3 is correct.