Can you imagine a world where internet access is restricted to an exclusive few? The very fabric of our society would be altered, denying the transformative power the internet holds. Much like the indispensable public infrastructure of schools, water supply, and hospitals, the need for a robust digital public infrastructure is key for providing open, accessible, and inclusive services globally.
India is at the forefront of a revolution that can change the lives of millions through digital public infrastructure. At the heart of this transformation lies India Stack, a multifaceted framework driving India’s digital evolution. Let’s delve into what makes India Stack a cornerstone in this journey.
Presently, over 1.31 billion Indians (95% of the population) possess a digital identity through Aadhaar, enabling swift and secure user authentication. DigiLocker, a public utility for Aadhaar holders, grants access to digitally signed documents, including licenses, diplomas, and insurance policies.
The launch of the United Payments Interface (UPI) in 2016 catapulted India into the digital payments era. As an interoperable payment rail, UPI revolutionized transactions, allowing real-time payments directly in and out of bank accounts with minimal costs. Today, over 500 of India’s leading banks are seamlessly connected to the UPI system.
The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), the ‘data’ layer of India Stack, seeks to restore ownership and control of user data. DEPA introduces a secure, consent-based data-sharing framework, a crucial step towards accelerating financial inclusion for citizens.
The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) is set to redefine healthcare delivery in India, providing consumers with an open network to securely share health data with an ecosystem of healthcare apps and providers.
Enter the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN), a revolutionary credit infrastructure offering easy access to credit for small and medium businesses and individuals. An open network, OCEN codifies the credit flow between borrowers, lenders, and credit distributors under common standards.
Having contributed to the DPI ecosystem in India, I feel privileged to play a part in shaping a more equitable world. The journey ahead is complex, presenting unprecedented challenges that demand innovative solutions. As India leads this digital renaissance, the impact on lives is significant, promising a future where technology drives inclusive growth.
Reference:
https://indiastack.org/