#21 Digital India That You Can Use: Shiksha Vani

Shiksha Vani

Shiksha Vani is an audio-based learning initiative launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2019. It is a podcast app that disseminates crucial information to students and parents in a timely manner. The app aims to provide easy access to information on educational tools and easy availability of up-to-date information regarding educational tools and initiatives that can improve outcomes.

Shiksha Vani works by providing students and parents with access to a variety of audio content, including:

• Podcasts on various subjects of grades 9 to 12, in accordance with the NCERT curriculum.

• Interviews with experts on education, parenting, and other relevant topics.

• News and announcements from CBSE.

• Tips and advice for students and parents.

To use Shiksha Vani, users can download the app from the Google Play Store. Once the app is downloaded, users can create an account and start listening to the content. The app also allows users to download podcasts for offline listening.

Shiksha Vani is a valuable resource for students and parents alike. It provides a convenient way to access educational content and stay up-to-date on the latest news and announcements from CBSE.

Here is a reference to Shiksha Vani on the official website of the National Portal of India: https://shikshavani.in/ 

#18 Digital India That You Can Use: e-Yantra

e-Yantra 

e-Yantra is a robotics outreach program funded by the Ministry of Education and hosted at IIT Bombay. It is a project-based learning program that aims to develop engineers capable of solving local problems across a variety of domains using technology.

The e-Yantra Robotics Competition (eYRC) is the flagship event of e-Yantra. It is a national-level competition that is open to all undergraduate engineering students in India. The competition is divided into two stages:

• Stage 1: All teams are required to complete a series of online modules on embedded systems and robotics. The modules cover topics such as electronics, programming, and mechanical design. Teams are also required to submit a project proposal for a robotics project.

• Stage 2: A select number of teams from Stage 1 are invited to participate in the National Finals at IIT Bombay. At the Finals, teams are required to demonstrate their robotics projects to a panel of judges.

The eYRC is a challenging competition, but it is also a very rewarding experience. Teams have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of robotics, and they also have the chance to compete against the best teams in the country.

Here is a reference for the e-Yantra Robotics Competition:

• e-Yantra Robotics Competition website: https://portal.e-yantra.org/

e-Yantra also offers a number of other programs and resources to support students and faculty who are interested in robotics. These include:

• e-Yantra Labs: e-Yantra has established robotics labs in over 400 colleges across India. These labs provide students with access to the hardware and software they need to build and test their robotics projects.

• e-Yantra MOOCs: e-Yantra offers a number of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on embedded systems and robotics. These courses are free and open to everyone.

• e-Yantra Faculty Development Programs: e-Yantra offers faculty development programs to help faculty members develop their skills in robotics education and research.

e-Yantra is a valuable resource for students, faculty, and anyone else who is interested in robotics. It is a great way to learn about robotics, develop your skills, and build your network.

Reference: https://www.e-yantra.org

#20 Digital India That You Can Use : NPTEL

NPTEL

NPTEL, or the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, is an initiative by seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to create course contents in engineering and science.

How NPTEL works:

1. Course creation: Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the IITs and IISc create recorded video content for the courses. The course content is typically divided into weekly modules, each of which consists of several video lectures, assignments, and discussion forum posts.

2. Course delivery: The courses are delivered online through the NPTEL website. Students can enroll in courses for free and access the course content at their own pace.

3. Assessment: Students are assessed on their understanding of the course material through weekly assignments and a final exam. Students who successfully complete the course and pass the exam are awarded a certificate.

NPTEL courses are a valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn about a variety of engineering and science topics. The courses are well-taught and the course content is high quality. Additionally, the certificates awarded by NPTEL are recognized by many employers and universities.

Reference: NPTEL website: https://nptel.ac.in/

#8 Digital India That You Can Use | BHIM

BHIM

Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a digital payment app developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as part of the Digital India initiative. It uses the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system to facilitate direct bank-to-bank transfers using a mobile phone.

BHIM is a safe and secure way to make digital payments. All transactions are encrypted and protected by a UPI PIN. BHIM is also very convenient to use. You can make payments to anyone in India, regardless of their bank, as long as they have a UPI ID.

BHIM has played a significant role in promoting digital payments in India. It has made it easier and more convenient for people to make payments to one another, and it has also helped to reduce the use of cash.

Here are some of the key features of BHIM:

• Real-time payments: BHIM transactions are processed in real time, so you can send and receive money instantly.

• 24/7 availability: BHIM is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

• Easy to use: BHIM is very easy to use. You can make payments to anyone in India, regardless of their bank, as long as they have a UPI ID.

• Safe and secure: All BHIM transactions are encrypted and protected by a UPI PIN.

• Free to use: There are no charges for sending or receiving money using BHIM.

Additional information:

• BHIM can be used to make payments at both online and offline merchants.

• BHIM also allows users to pay their utility bills, recharge their mobile phones, and buy insurance products.

• BHIM is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Bengali.

BHIM is a convenient, safe, and secure way to make digital payments. It has played a significant role in promoting digital payments in India and making the country more cashless

Reference: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BHIM

#7 Digital India That You Can Use: SWAYAM

DIGITAL INDIA GLOSSARY

The Digital India Glossary is a valuable compendium of digital terms and concepts, designed to empower residents in navigating India's digital landscape. In a rapidly evolving digital era, this resource serves as a beacon of knowledge, offering clear definitions and explanations of key terms related to digital technologies, e-governance, and online services. For residents, it's an indispensable tool, fostering digital literacy and enhancing their ability to access and utilise government services, digital platforms, and emerging technologies effectively. Whether deciphering acronyms or understanding complex concepts, the Digital India Glossary empowers citizens, bridging the knowledge gap and enabling them to participate fully in India's digital transformation.

#7

SWAYAM 

SWAYAM stands for Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds. It is a programme initiated by the Government of India and designed to achieve the three cardinal principles of Education Policy: access, equity, and quality.

SWAYAM is a massive open online course (MOOC) platform that offers free online courses to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It offers courses in a wide range of subjects, from high school to postgraduate level, as well as skill-based courses.

SWAYAM is hosted by the Ministry of Education (Government of India) and is supported by a number of national institutions, including the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

SWAYAM courses are typically taught by leading faculty from top Indian universities and institutions. The courses are delivered in a variety of formats, including video lectures, text-based materials, and interactive exercises.

Students who enroll in SWAYAM courses can earn digital certificates upon completion of the course and passing an exam. These certificates are recognized by many employers and educational institutions in India.

SWAYAM is a major initiative of the Digital India programme, which aims to bridge the digital divide and make education accessible to all Indians.

Examples of how SWAYAM is being used to advance Digital India:

• SWAYAM is being used to provide digital literacy training to rural communities.

• SWAYAM is being used to train teachers on new teaching technologies.

• SWAYAM is being used to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities to workers in the informal sector.

• SWAYAM is being used to provide access to higher education to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Overall, SWAYAM is a powerful tool that is being used to advance Digital India and make education more accessible and equitable for all Indians.

Reference: SWAYAM website: https://swayam.gov.in/

#17 Digital India That You Can Use: Digital Village

Digital Village

Digital villages in Digital India work by using technology to improve the lives of rural citizens. This includes providing access to high-speed internet, e-governance services, and digital literacy training.

One way that digital villages are implemented is through the Common Service Center (CSC) scheme. CSCs are village-level centers that provide a variety of services, including internet access, banking, and government services. CSCs are also used to provide digital literacy training to rural citizens.

Another way that digital villages are implemented is through the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). DILRMP is an initiative to digitize and modernize land records in India. This will make it easier for rural citizens to access and manage their land records.

Here is an example of how digital villages can benefit rural citizens:

• A farmer in a digital village can use the internet to access information on weather forecasts, market prices for crops, and government subsidies.

• A student in a digital village can use the internet to access educational resources and to take online courses.

• A rural citizen can use the internet to access e-governance services, such as paying taxes and applying for government benefits.

Digital villages have the potential to improve the lives of rural citizens in many ways. By providing access to technology and digital literacy training, digital villages can help rural citizens to access better education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

The following is a reference for how digital villages work in Digital India:This website provides information on the Digital Village initiative, including the goals of the initiative, the key components of a digital village, and success stories of digital villages in India

• Digital Village India: https://www.digital-village.in/ 

#16 Digital India That You Can Use: e-Hospital

e-Hospital 

e-Hospital is a digital platform that provides a variety of healthcare services online. It is an initiative of the Government of India under the Digital India program.

e-Hospital works by using a variety of technologies, including cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. It integrates with existing hospital systems to provide a seamless experience for patients and healthcare providers.

e-Hospital offers a variety of services, including:

• Online appointment booking

• Online patient registration

• Electronic health records (EHRs)

• Telemedicine

• Online lab reports

• Online pharmacy

• Online bill payments

e-Hospital makes it easier and more convenient for patients to access healthcare services. It also helps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

One reference for e-Hospital is the e-Hospital website of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Government of India: https://ehospital.gov.in/

This website provides information on the e-Hospital platform, the benefits of using e-Hospital, and a list of hospitals that are integrated with e-Hospital.

Here is an example of how e-Hospital works:

A patient wants to book an appointment with a doctor at a government hospital. The patient visits the e-Hospital website and creates an account. They then select the hospital and department they want to visit. They then select a date and time for the appointment.

The patient receives a confirmation email and SMS message for the appointment. On the day of the appointment, the patient visits the hospital and shows their confirmation message to the receptionist.

The receptionist verifies the patient's appointment and directs them to the doctor's office. The doctor reviews the patient's medical history and performs a physical examination. The doctor then diagnoses the patient's condition and prescribes medication.

The patient can then collect their medication from the hospital pharmacy. The patient can also access their medical records online at any time.

e-Hospital is a convenient and secure way for patients to access healthcare services. It is also helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in India. 

#14 Digital India That You Can Use: BBPS

Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

The Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is an integrated bill payment system in India. It is a platform that connects billers and customers, allowing customers to pay their bills from a single location. BBPS supports a wide range of billers, including electricity providers, gas providers, telecom providers, and financial institutions.

BBPS works as follows:

1. The customer chooses the biller and bill they want to pay on the BBPS platform.

2. The customer enters their bill details and selects the payment mode they want to use.

3. The BBPS platform initiates the payment and sends a confirmation message to the customer.

4. The BBPS platform then credits the biller's account with the payment amount.

BBPS is a convenient and secure way to pay bills. It offers a number of benefits, including:

• Convenience: Customers can pay all of their bills from a single location, using a variety of payment methods.

• Security: BBPS uses a secure platform to protect customer data and transactions.

• Affordability: BBPS charges a nominal fee for transactions.

Reference

One reference for the BBPS is the BBPS website: https://www.bharatbillpay.com /.

This website provides information on the BBPS process, the benefits of using BBPS, and a list of licensed BBPS Operating Units (OUs).

#15 Digital India That You Can Use: e-Sign

eSign

eSign works in Digital India by using Aadhaar eKYC to authenticate the signer and generate a legally valid digital signature. The process is as follows:

1. The signer receives a signing link on their phone, email, or app.

2. The signer clicks on the link and is redirected to the eSign Service Provider (ESP) page.

3. The signer enters their Aadhaar number and authenticates using OTP or biometrics.

4. The ESP verifies the signer's Aadhaar and generates a digital signature certificate (DSC).

5. The signer reviews the document and signs it using the DSC.

6. The ESP affixes the digital signature to the document and returns it to the signer.

eSign is a convenient and secure way to sign documents electronically. It is also legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

One reference for the eSign process in Digital India is the eSign website of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India: https://www.meity.gov.in/content/digital-signature.

Example

Here is an example of how eSign can be used in Digital India:

A citizen wants to apply for a passport online. They visit the Passport Seva website and create an account. They then fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.

To sign the application form, the citizen clicks on the "eSign" button. They are then redirected to the ESP page. The citizen enters their Aadhaar number and authenticates using OTP.

The ESP verifies the citizen's Aadhaar and generates a DSC. The citizen reviews the application form and signs it using the DSC. The ESP affixes the digital signature to the application form and returns it to the citizen.

The citizen then submits the completed application form on the Passport Seva website.

eSign makes it easy and secure for citizens to sign documents electronically, without the need to visit a government office or print and sign physical documents.

https://www.meity.gov.in/content/digital-signature. 

#13 Digital India That You Can Use: UMANG

How UMANG Works 

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a single platform mobile app that provides access to over 2000 government services from central, state, and local government bodies. It is a one-stop shop for citizens to access a wide range of government services, such as applying for a passport, paying taxes, or filing a police complaint.

UMANG works by integrating with the backend systems of different government departments and agencies. This allows citizens to access government services without having to download or install separate apps for each department.

To use UMANG, citizens simply need to download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once the app is installed, citizens can create an account and start accessing government services.

UMANG offers a variety of features that make it easy for citizens to use government services, such as:

• A user-friendly interface: UMANG has a simple and easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for citizens to find and access government services.

• Multiple language support: UMANG is available in 12 Indian languages, making it accessible to a wider range of citizens.

• Personalized services: UMANG allows citizens to personalize their experience by setting their preferred services and languages.

• Payment integration: UMANG integrates with popular payment gateways, making it easy for citizens to pay for government services online.

UMANG is a key part of the Digital India initiative, which aims to make government services more accessible and efficient for citizens. It is a powerful tool that can help citizens to save time and effort when accessing government services.

Reference:

• UMANG website: https://web.umang.gov.in/

#12 Digital India That You Can Use: NSP

National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is a digital platform launched by the Government of India in 2012 to streamline the scholarship application and disbursement process. The NSP provides a single platform for students to apply for various scholarships offered by the central and state governments, as well as other organisations.

The NSP works in Digital India by providing the following services:

• Online application: Students can apply for scholarships online through the NSP website. The NSP provides a single application form for all scholarships, which makes it easier for students to apply for multiple scholarships.

• Document verification: The NSP verifies student documents electronically, which reduces the need for students to submit physical documents.

• Scholarship processing: The NSP processes scholarship applications electronically and sends the scholarship amount directly to the student's bank account.

• Transparency: The NSP provides transparency in the scholarship application and disbursement process by providing regular updates on the status of the application and the disbursement of scholarship funds.

The NSP has made the scholarship application process easier and more accessible for students. It has also reduced the time it takes for students to receive their scholarship funds.

Reference:

• National Scholarship Portal website: https://scholarships.gov.in/ 

#11 Digital India That You Can Use: Open Forge

How Open Forge Works

Open Forge is an e-governance platform set up by the Government of India to promote the sharing and reuse of e-governance application source code. It is a collaborative platform where government agencies, developers, and other stakeholders can come together to work on e-governance projects.

Open Forge works by providing a centralized repository for e-governance application source code. This repository is open to all registered users, who can browse, download, and contribute to the code. The platform also provides a variety of tools and resources to help users collaborate on projects, including issue tracking, code review, and version control.

Open Forge allows two possible collaboration models:

• Government to Community (G2C): In G2C, projects can be created in the public mode by either government or community members. This means that anyone can contribute to the project, including developers, students, and researchers.

• Government to Government (G2G): In G2G, projects can be created in a controlled mode by government agencies/members only. This means that only authorized users will be able to access and contribute to the project.

To use Open Forge, users must first create an account. Once logged in, users can browse the repository of e-governance application source code. To contribute to a project, users must first fork the project. This will create a copy of the project in the user's own workspace. The user can then make changes to the code and submit a pull request to the project's maintainer. If the pull request is approved, the user's changes will be merged into the main codebase.

Open Forge also provides a number of other features, such as:

• Issue tracking: Users can create and manage issues related to e-governance projects. This can be used to track bugs, feature requests, and other tasks.

• Code review: Users can review code changes submitted by other users. This helps to ensure the quality and security of the code.

• Version control: Open Forge uses Git for version control. This allows users to track changes to the code and revert to previous versions if needed.

Open Forge is a valuable resource for government agencies, developers, and other stakeholders working on e-governance projects. It provides a platform for collaboration, sharing, and reuse of e-governance application source code. This can help to reduce the cost and time of developing e-governance applications, and improve the quality and security of the code.

#6 Digital India that you can use: Cowin

DIGITAL INDIA GLOSSARY

#6

Cowin

CoWIN, or the COVID-19 Vaccination Intelligence Network, is a government of India web portal and mobile application that helps to track and manage the COVID-19 vaccination program across the country.

CoWIN allows users to register for vaccination appointments, track their vaccination status, and download vaccination certificates. It also provides real-time data on the number of vaccinations administered across the country.

CoWIN is an important part of the Digital India initiative, which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society. By providing a digital platform for COVID-19 vaccination, CoWIN has helped to make the vaccination process more efficient and accessible for all Indians.

CowIN has been praised for its user-friendly interface and its ability to provide real-time data on the vaccination program. However, it has also been criticized for some technical glitches and for its lack of support for local languages.

Overall, CoWIN is an important tool that has helped to accelerate the pace of COVID-19 vaccination in India. It is a good example of how digital technology can be used to improve public health services and to empower citizens.

Reference: https://www.cowin.gov.in/