Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a firm believer in the power of technology. An avid user of technology himself, Mr. Modi views technology as something that is easy, effective and economical, combining speed, simplicity and service. It makes work quicker, simplifies processes as well as systems and it is a brilliant way to serve the people. Mr. Modi is of the firm belief that technology is the best means to empower the less empowered and to make governance more transparent.
Since taking office in May 2014 the Prime Minister has sought to increase the usage of technology in the working of the Government. He launched the Digital India initiative, an all-encompassing programme, to invigorate the working of the government with latest technology and provide solutions to people’s problems through the power of technology. The Prime Minister has started a unique initiative PRAGATI a technology based multi-purpose and multi-nodal platform where projects are monitored and people’s problems are addressed. On the last Wednesday of every month, the Prime Minister himself sits down with top officials during the PRAGATI sessions and covers substantial ground in a wide range of sectors. This has made a very positive difference.
The Government of India is scaling up its technological usage to provide better health and education facilities to the people of India. Crores of Indian farmers have been receiving agriculture related information through SMS. The Cabinet cleared the Scheme of Promotion of National Agriculture Market through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund. Regulated markets across India will be integrated with common e-platform. Farmers & traders can thus get opportunities to purchase & sell agricultural commodities at optimal prices in a transparent manner.
In July 2014 the Prime Minister launched MyGov, a portal that uses the Internet to make the citizen a key part of governance and policy making. On MyGov various ministries and departments seek inputs on areas pertaining to their work. The Prime Minister has used MyGov time and again, be it for his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ or other occasions.
During his USA visit in September 2015 Shri Modi visited Silicon Valley, where he met several leading technology CEOs. He visited the Facebook HQ and joined a widely viewed Townhall Q&A session during which he answered questions on diverse range of issues. He also visited the Google office where he was shown the technological innovations being done there. At a Digital India dinner that was attended by the leading stalwarts of the technology world, he listed out the Government’s vision of a Digital India. The Tech CEOs, from Satya Nadella to Sundar Pichai lauded the efforts of the Government to create a digitally empowered society in India. During the visit Shri Modi met start-up entrepreneurs, who are using technology in a major way. Mr. Elon Musk also gave him a tour of Tesla Motors. Mr. Modi and Mr. Musk discussed how technology can aid development, particularly in rural areas and in agriculture.
The Prime Minister has held wide deliberations on technological cooperation whenever he travels overseas. During the India-Africa Summit, the Prime Minister listed ways through which India will help Africa in the field of technology.
On the personal side as well, those who know Mr. Modi will recall his love for technology. He is one of the most active world leaders on social media with a digital presence spanning across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. He has used social media to engage with people and seek inputs from them. He has used social media to make a positive difference, be it by asking people to share selfies with their daughters or by requesting people to share their glimpses of Incredible India.
Mr. Modi is also placing great emphasis on m-governance or mobile governance. He has his own Mobile App, the ‘Narendra Modi Mobile App’ that is available on Apple and Android phones. Through the App you can receive latest news, updates and connect with Mr. Modi.
Thus, Mr. Modi is working tirelessly and determinately to create an India where 1.25 billion Indians are connected with technology and engage in technology-driven innovation. He is working to connect India through digital highways and to make the netizen an empowered citizen.
Also See: Digital Dialogue with PM Modi
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It is part of an endeavour to collect stories which narrate or recount people’s anecdotes/opinion/analysis on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & his impact on lives of people.
