Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

Traditional public infrastructure has been the bedrock of societal progress, but it has limitations. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a new concept that incorporates open and democratic principles to foster digital inclusion and empowerment.

Understanding DPI

DPI refers to a network of platforms and frameworks designed to provide essential services to citizens through digital means. These platforms, often organized as blocks, encompass crucial elements such as digital identification, payment infrastructure, and data exchange solutions. By facilitating the flow of people, money, and information, DPI empowers citizens, enhances convenience, and nurtures digital inclusion.

The Three Pillars of DPI

DPI is anchored by three core pillars:

• Digital identity: This is the foundation of DPI, as it provides a unique and verifiable identifier for each citizen. In India, the Aadhaar system has been a major success in this regard, with over 1.3 billion people enrolled.

• Real-time fast payment system: This enables the seamless flow of money between individuals and businesses. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India is a leading example of a real-time fast payment system, with over 5 billion transactions processed each month.

• Data empowerment and protection architecture: This ensures that citizens have control over their personal data and can share it on their terms. The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) in India is a pioneering initiative in this area.

India's Leadership in DPI Implementation

India has been a global leader in the implementation of DPI. The India Stack is a suite of APIs that empowers governments, businesses, and individuals to build digital services. The India Stack has been used to create a wide range of applications, such as DigiYatra (a biometric-enabled travel system) and DigiLocker (a digital document storage platform).

Championing Sustainable Digital Infrastructure

To realize the full potential of DPI, it is important to develop sustainable financing models and advocate for global standards. It is also important to establish independent steward institutions to ensure accountability and trust.

Conclusion

DPI is a transformative concept that has the potential to revolutionize public service delivery. By weaving together digital identity, real-time payments, and responsible data sharing, DPI can empower citizens and foster digital inclusion. India's pioneering efforts in the realm of DPI through the India Stack serve as an inspiration for the global community.