Today will be marked as the start of the Digital India Program by the PM Narendra Modi. To be launched at 4 pm on July 1, 2015, it seems to be one of the most desired programs which will sway the masses to the digital revolution and a new empowered digital India.

According to the Press Release issued by the Ministry of Communications and IT, “Digital India has been envisioned as an ambitious umbrella program to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It comprises of various initiatives under the single program each targeted to prepare India for becoming a knowledge economy and for bringing good governance to citizens through synchronized and co-ordinated engagement of the entire Government”.

Essentially, Digital India program has been launched to accelerate progress and make India into a digitally powered economy along with ensuring that the government is transparent and participative.

Who doesn’t want to listen to Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Azim Premji and Cyrus Mistry to talk about the future of digital India? This list includes other stalwarts and business leaders like Airbus India CEO Peter Gutsmiedl, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, Sterlite Technologies Chairman Anil Agarwal, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumaramangalam Birla. Apart from such distinguished leaders, the Foreign firm Nidec Corporation Vice Chairman Mikio Katayama, Delta Electronics CEO Ping Cheng have also confirmed to participate in the program.

People from across the country from fields such as technology, service sectors, students and IT ministry have been called in to participate. The vision of Digital India is centered on three key areas:

(i) Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen

(ii) Governance & Services on Demand 

(iii) Digital Empowerment of Citizens

So what’s the deal about?

1. Modi will present the government's roadmap for digitizing India - Launch of BharatNet in 11 states.

2. Unveiling various government schemes like Digital Locker, e-education and e-health during the event.

3. Making the digital infrastructure as readily available to the citizens of India.

4. Digitally empowering the citizens and ensuring that the government services are available to citizens electronically - deliver public services through technology through e-Kranti.

5. Next Generation Network (NGN).

6. Expansion of mobile connectivity.

7. Digitization of health records.

8. Doorstep delivery and accountability of government schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan through mobile applications.

Real Impact

· Rural Broadband facility to be available to 2.5 lakh villages

· Universal phone connectivity

· Publicly available Internet Access Points

· Wi-fi in 2.5 lakh schools, all universities

· Digital Inclusion: 1.7 Cr trained for IT, Telecom and Electronics Jobs

· Job creation: Direct 1.7 Cr. and Indirect at least 8.5 Cr.

· e-Governance & eServices: Across government

Access the webcast of the Digital India Week Program here.

Read more about the Digital India Program here.