India can assume leadership position through digital transformation: MeitY Secy

Speaking on the need for digital transformation at the National Internet Exchange of India’s (Nixi) 20th foundation day event in Delhi on Monday, he added that India would be able to achieve its climate goals through digital transformation.

“Digital transformation would allow the country to optimise resource utilisation, reduce waste, and mitigate the environmental impact of activities,” Sharma said.

Digital transformation is also key for an inclusive government, Sharma added.

“By adopting technology we can ensure that every citizen, regardless of their location or social background, has access to essential services such as healthcare, financial services, and education,” Sharma explained.

This, he added, could be achieved through various digital initiatives and the availability of affordable internet.

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Sharma also attributed the explosive growth of startups and entrepreneurship to digital transformation.“Today there are almost 1,00,000 startups in India, the third-largest and fastest-growing ecosystem in the world. This was all possible because of access to digital payments, digital information, data, and various platforms developed over a period of time,” Sharma said.

Stating that digital transformation had many challenges, he added, “We must address issues of data security and privacy, and ensure that no citizen is left behind’’.

In order to overcome these issues, he said the government was committed to a multi-faceted approach by way of investing in digital infrastructure, collaborating with industry leaders and startups, and privatising digital skilling and education.

Sharma said that while everyone wanted digital transformation, multiple things came in the way, from technological challenges, to accessibility, connectivity, device cost, data cost, and more.