“5G has reached every district”: PM Modi highlights India’s digital transformation, mobile-enabled governance at IMC
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India's digital revolution at IMC, noting 5G expansion and massive savings through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a massive milestone in India's digital journey, declaring that 5G connectivity has now reached every single district across the country. Speaking at the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, the Prime Minister underscored how mobile technology has evolved from a simple communication tool into a powerhouse for governance and economic empowerment.
Digital Revolution: ₹5 Lakh Crore Saved from Corruption
A major highlight of the Prime Minister's address was the unprecedented success of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He revealed that a staggering ₹50 lakh crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, all linked via their mobile phones.
This digital shift has not only streamlined service delivery but has also acted as a shield against financial leakage. PM Modi noted that the government has managed to save approximately ₹5 lakh crore by ensuring that funds do not fall into "wrong hands." He expressed a firm determination to continue these efforts to eliminate malpractices in the distribution of public welfare.
Empowering Farmers via Mobile Notifications
The Prime Minister specifically pointed to the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme as a prime example of mobile-enabled governance. He shared that more than ₹4 lakh crore has been sent directly to the bank accounts of farmers.
- Payments are transferred every four months.
- Farmers receive instant notifications on their mobile phones once the credit is successful.
- Small farmers, who were previously excluded from such benefits, are now part of the digital mainstream.
The 5G Era and Skyrocketing Internet Speeds
India's telecommunications landscape is undergoing a rapid metamorphosis. PM Modi highlighted the massive scale of the current infrastructure, noting that more than 5.5 lakh base stations are currently operational to support the network.
The impact on user experience has been profound. According to the Prime Minister, mobile internet speeds in India have increased tenfold compared to 2022 levels. As the nation moves toward a "5G-Reachout" future, the connectivity is bridging the gap between urban centers and remote regions.
Mobile Phones: From Chatting Tools to Gaming Consoles
In a nod to the changing habits of the younger generation, PM Modi observed that the mobile phone has become much more than a device for chatting. He described the smartphone as both a "gaming console and a creation studio."
With an estimated 500 million people in India connected to the gaming ecosystem, the Prime Minister noted a significant rise in participation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This demographic is not just consuming content but is actively involved in:
- E-sports competition
- Gaming content creation
- Developing new gaming-related businesses
Building a Secure Digital Future
While celebrating the expansion of optical fibre networks, tower installations in remote areas, and the affordability of data, the Prime Minister also issued a call for vigilance. He emphasized that as the importance of telecom and digital technology grows, there is an urgent need to strengthen security frameworks, specifically focusing on phone and network security to protect the nation's digital assets.