The trio of Jan-Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar and mobile phones or the JAM trinity has greatly helped reduce corruption, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising on the significance of digital governance in the country. He further added that better targeting of subsidies through direct transfer of government benefits using the JAM trinity has helped the Centre save $10 billion in subsidies.
The government, he asserted, is committed to empowerment through digital access. "We are using mobile power or M-power to empower our citizens," he said.
"We are using the digital domain to facilitate participative governance or Jan Bhagidari," said the prime minister addressing the Global Conference on Cyber Space in New Delhi. "The Narendra Modi mobile app has deepened my connection with citizens... Technology breaks barriers and has led to efficient service delivery, governance and improved access to education and health."
Commenting on the importance of internet as an indispensable medium in the current world, Modi said the internet is "inclusive and not exclusive". "It offers equity of access, and equality of opportunity. Today’s discourse is being shaped by Facebookers, Tweeples, and Instagrammers. Social media platforms are making cyberspace participative for all," he said. However, acknowledging the grave threat of cyber security, Modi called for responsible participation from global community to deal with cyber threat.
Modi said digital space should not be allowed to be used for terrorism. "The global community needs to approach the issue of cyber-security with confidence, as much as with resolve," he noted. "Alertness towards cyber-security concerns should become a way of life... We need to ensure that cyber protection becomes an attractive and viable career option for the youth."
Saying that internet has provided 'ease of living' to Indians, Modi added: "Empowerment through digital access is an objective that the Indian government is focused on."
The prime minister also spoke about the debate on privacy versus national security. “We can walk the fine balance between privacy and openness on one hand, and national security on the other. Together, we can overcome the differences between global and open systems on one hand, and nation-specific legal requirements on the other”, the PM said.
(With inputs from Vandana)
