The month of January 2024 witnessed an impressive surge in UPI transactions, recording a staggering 12,203.02 million transactions valued at ₹18,41,083.97 crores. This growth is a testament to the journey that began in 2016 when UPI was first introduced by NPCI, with a modest value of 0.38 crores in its inaugural month.
India stands proudly as a global leader in real-time payments, with the adoption of technology playing a pivotal role in its remarkable growth. The Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile (JAM) trinity, introduced in 2014, has been a cornerstone in this trajectory. As we delve Digital India’s evolution, the second episode of our exploration takes us through the transformative initiatives undertaken by the governments of Assam and Uttar Pradesh.
A recent Deloitte report underscores the significant role technology-led know-how has played in India’s impressive growth trajectory and the efficiency brought about in the tax system by means of digitalisation.
ETBFSI’s second episode of Digital Bharat brings into spotlight the progressive initiatives of the Governments of Assam and Uttar Pradesh in a conversation with bureaucrats Laya Madduri and Sameer Verma, the focus is on understanding the digital strides taken by these states.
Assam’s Digital Leap
“Assam has been the part of schemes implemented by the Central government but the DIDS portal, Sewa Setu, and Mission Basundhara are the three important initiatives by the Government of Assam that have been taken recently,” said Laya Madduri, IAS, Secretary, Finance, and Science & Technology Department, Government of Assam.
Madduri sheds light on three groundbreaking initiatives – the DIDS portal, Sewa Setu, and Mission Basundhara. The DIDS portal streamlines the disbursal of welfare benefits, particularly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. Sewa Setu brings government services to citizens’ doorsteps, enhancing accessibility. Meanwhile, Mission Basundhara aims to digitally transform land management, reducing pendency in updating land records and creating a transparent and efficient system.
Uttar Pradesh’s focus on attracting investments
Sameer Verma, IAS, Special Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, emphasises the state’s focus on attracting investments through initiatives like Nivesh Sarathi. Efforts are underway to enhance the ease of doing business, addressing challenges like data interoperability. Verma introduces innovative solutions like Srishti, a GIS-based Road Information System, and Prerna, an award-winning platform, aiming to create a seamless digital environment.
In Verma’s words, “Our philosophy revolves around transparency, speed, accountability, and participatory governance. The implementation of the welfare schemes through DBT prevented substantial leakages, with 90 schemes operated through DBT channel alone, transferring a staggering 40,000 crores.”
With Nivesh Sarathi and Nivesh Mitra, the government of Uttar Pradesh has also initiated the implementation of Online Incentive Management system, such initiatives are taken in the direction of creating a one stop centre for all of investors’ needs.
Verma also mentions that Uttar Pradesh holds the highest number of Demat account holders, pointing towards the prevalence of digital and financial literacy.
Empowering the SME Segment
Laya Madduri discusses Assam’s initiatives like PM Vishwa Karma, providing credit, plug-and-play infrastructure, and support for women entrepreneurs through schemes like Mahila Udyamika Yojana and Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar. She highlights the role of these initiatives in attracting investments, promoting employment, and harnessing the demographic dividend.
