DIGITAL INDIA: ASSESSING ITS IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INCLUSION

Abstract

The "Digital India" initiative, launched in 2015, aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This paper examines the initiative's impact on economic growth and inclusion, analyzing its contributions to enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting e-governance, and fostering innovation. By integrating technology across various sectors, Digital India has the potential to improve service delivery, streamline processes, and create opportunities for marginalized communities. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative data on economic indicators and qualitative insights from beneficiaries of digital initiatives. The findings suggest that while Digital India has significantly accelerated economic growth, challenges related to digital literacy, infrastructure disparities, and socio-economic divides remain. This paper underscores the necessity of targeted policies and programs to ensure that the benefits of digitalization are equitably distributed, thereby fostering inclusive growth in the evolving digital landscape.