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 :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Digital India (2015) rests on three pillars: digital infrastructure as a utility, governance and services on demand, and digital empowerment of citizens.
• Statement 3 is correct: BharatNet aims to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats by optical fibre and provide public Wi-Fi in schools, panchayats and tourist spots.
• Statement 1 is wrong: creating Indian internet giants on the Chinese model is not a stated aim.
• Statement 2 is wrong: Digital India does not seek to attract foreign firms' data centres; data-localisation debates arose separately under RBI and data-protection policy.
• Hence 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statements 1 and 2 are not aims of Digital India.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is not an aim of Digital India.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statements 1 and 2 are not aims.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.