Digitalisation of governance enabled uninterrupted office working during pandemic: Dr Jitendra
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative impact of digital governance while addressing the Economic Times “Digitech Conclave 2025.”
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for launching the Digital India initiative in 2015, which positioned India ahead of global counterparts in digital transformation and ensured seamless governance even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, elaborated that nearly 70-80% of India’s public digital infrastructure was in place before the pandemic, allowing uninterrupted government services despite global lockdowns.
He underscored that UPI, Aadhaar, and the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) trinity enabled direct financial assistance and compensation to various sectors during the crisis, ensuring food security for 80 crore citizens.
He lauded government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which offers cashless treatment, including pre-existing conditions, making it a unique global model in healthcare. Another notable initiative, the Swamitva Mission, has empowered citizens by mapping 60-70% of India’s land, eliminating dependency on revenue officials for property ownership verification.
Dr. Singh emphasized that India’s digital governance model has drawn international recognition, with delegations from neighboring countries visiting India for capacity-building programs. He highlighted RTI on Mobile App and CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) as global benchmarks for transparency and accountability.
Discussing public-private collaboration, Dr. Singh pointed to the unlocking of the space sector, which has attracted significant investment and is projected to reach $45 billion. He also praised the government’s decision to open the nuclear energy sector, marking a step toward energy self-sufficiency.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh praised PM Modi’s “Whole of Government, Whole of Science, and Whole of Nation” approach, which has revolutionized India’s socio-economic landscape. He asserted that the synergy between governance, the private sector, and scientific advancements is driving India toward a brighter, more sustainable future.