India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the highly anticipated Digital India 2.0 program, an expansion of its earlier 2015 initiative aimed at making government services more accessible to citizens through digital means. As of May 2025, the program focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, bolstering cybersecurity, and ensuring that digital services reach India’s rural and remote areas.
The Digital India 2.0 initiative includes three main pillars: expanding broadband and mobile connectivity, strengthening digital security frameworks, and promoting digital literacy. A key aspect of the program is the extension of high-speed internet services to over 250,000 villages across the country under the “Bharat Net 2.0” initiative, which aims to ensure that every village has internet access by 2027.
The program will also see the introduction of the National Cyber Security Strategy 2025, designed to protect critical digital infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. It includes the establishment of a new agency, the National Digital Protection Agency (NDPA), which will work in collaboration with private sector cybersecurity firms and international partners. This move comes in response to the rising concerns over cyber-attacks and data breaches that have plagued several public and private sectors in recent years.
Additionally, the government has outlined plans to boost digital literacy, especially for women and the elderly, by providing online training and support. This will be achieved through the implementation of digital skill programs in schools, colleges, and through community learning centers.
With an increased push for digital services, the Digital India 2.0 initiative is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare, education, and government services, especially for underserved regions. Industry experts predict that this will lead to economic growth and improve efficiency in the public sector. Furthermore, the project’s emphasis on cybersecurity is expected to bolster India’s standing as a global leader in the digital economy.