Researcher-
1. Prerna Devi Khandelwal
Research scholar (Department of Economics)
Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
[email protected] 9783948490
2. Dr. Monika Dave
Associate professor (Department of Economics)
Govt. Meera Girls College, Udaipur
[email protected]Sub Theme of Research Paper- Role of Digitization in Promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat
A Study on the use of Information Technology for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the Post-Covid
Era
Abstract-The globe appeared more polarized than ever at the dawn of the twenty-first century:
the wealthy were getting richer while the poor were getting poorer. One of the key subjects in
important debate forums of various economies has been the worldwide repercussions of this
extreme discrepancy between the developed and developing nations. The availability of reliable
connectivity and IT infrastructure best illustrates the vast difference between the advanced and
emerging worlds. The choice to use information technology as a primary solution is assisting
India in managing the crisis at a time of extreme uncertainty and persistent dread in the Post-
Covid Era. This article examines elements involved in addressing the progress towards the path
of digitalized Atmanirbhar Bharat and how IT infrastructure and its applications might help India
achieve Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliance.
Keywords: Information technology, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Post-Covid Era
1. INTRODUCTION
It was essential for the government not only to boost the economy but also to instil a fresh sense
of hope in the minds of 135 crore people following the catastrophic crisis in all key industries.
The economy was negatively impacted by a number of issues, including the migration of
workers, the closure of manufacturing hubs, lack of transportation, and others. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi announced the slogan of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan," or self-reliance
campaign, on May 12, 2020 to unveiled a Covid-19 special economic package worth $20 trillion
to get things back on track.
Prime Minister Modi Five pillars—the economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography,
and demand—formed the foundation of the package. The package, which was announced,
represented 61 percent of India's GDP and was intended to support the middle class, cottage
industries, MSMEs, labourers, and other groups.
Five phases will be used to disseminate the package:
TABLE 1.1 Phases of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
Phase Sector Objective
Phase:1 Economy Quantum leaps rather than gradual adjustments
Phase:2 Infrastructure Modern economic network
Phase:3 System Information technology based system
Phase:4 Demography Large population to Productive population
Phase:5 Demand Optimum utilization of market channel
Source: Ministry of Finance (GOI)
It is without a doubt one of the practical measures to strengthen the economy's five pillars-the
economy, infrastructure, system, demography, and demand. It is a hierarchical development that
will begin with farmers and labourers and finish with greater work prospects at the top. In
addition to announcing a $20 trillion economic stimulus package, Modi's address placed a strong
emphasis on the importance of "speaking up for the local" in order to support domestic industry.
The emergency credit line of 3 trillion announced in the stimulus would allow MSMEs to
recover from their current financial status and resume operations as India is fixing its goals to
mandates such as indigenously developing technologies, creating a market, and capacity building
for this sector, while the equity infusion of 50,000 crore would complement the objective of
capacity enhancement through technological and human-resource development and in this sector.
Additionally, the updated classification in terms of capital expenditure and annual revenue would
encourage MSMEs to choose this upgrade without worrying about losing the planned benefits.
The first round of relief measures was targeted at Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises), and six of the total 16 announcements were MSMEs-specific. The government is
working to strengthen the economy, and MSMEs were the first and main objectives for this. The
federal government also communicates with the state governments to further address any
questions that people may have about the package and to give them advice on how to channel it.
These numerous projects were introduced under the economic diversification programme,
growth of manufacturing sectors, innovation, and skill development programmes.
The government also recommended banks to support MSMEs for funding. Making India a
manufacturing hub rather than a marketing hub is the main rationale behind supporting MSMEs.
It was obvious that the goal was to make completed goods in India from raw resources by adding
value. The administration has concentrated on being "vocal for local" under self- reliant
initiative. This serves as a springboard for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the
establishment of an ecosystem for the coexistence of rural and urban areas. The economic
package has provided a wealth of possibilities to develop projects that span a variety of public
welfare fields. Instead than waiting for administrative entities to create plans and roll out
programmes, institutions and individuals need to make proactive suggestions. Maximising the
benefits of digital transformation and automation within the range of available tools and turning
the enormous challenges of the present into avenues that will take the nation deeper into the
world today.
2. OBJECTIVES
The main aim of this research is to comprehend how information technology contributes to the
development of a self-sufficient society. The study evaluates the different elements that
encourage and support this objective as well as the ways in which information technology
enhance the growth of different sectors in the post Covid-19 epidemic.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The data for the current exploratory study were gathered from secondary sources such as
government portals, e-journals, magazines, and other periodicals, as well as online platforms for
research activities. In order to undertake a context analysis, which involved reviewing numerous
elements associated to the concept of "Self-reliant India" during the Covid-19 pandemic time
period, the data gathered from these sources was employed. Conclusions were then formed from
the analysis.
4. ENABLING DIGITIZATION AND FOSTERING ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT
While government policies and tariffs are anticipated to boost the industrial base,
entrepreneurship and digitization may prove to be the differentiator in the development of an
Atmanirbhar Bharat that is focused on technology. Indian startups have faced difficulties,
particularly in the technology industry. Chinese technology investment in Indian start-ups is
estimated to be worth US$ 4 billion, according to a report from the Gateway House, a think tank
affiliated with the Indian Council on Global Relations. Indians are heavy users of technology and
have become the nation that develops it and its applications for multinational corporations. It
makes use of the IT expertise to build something out of scratch that India could claim as its own.
The current restriction on 224 Chinese people offers India a wonderful chance to advanced
native applications that are pertinent in an Indian context.
Digitization to create solutions for various sectors
Health Education
Financial
Commerce
Services
4.1 Digitization and Future of Health Sector
The 2020 pandemic has tested the healthcare sector more than any other event in recent memory,
and like any test, it has raised a number of questions. It has also altered stakeholders'
perspectives on some important elements and duties, particularly those that fall under the
purview of the digital transformation framework. According to the Accenture poll, 93% of
healthcare providers said they are innovating with a sense of urgency to meet the demand for
change. As customer experience gained prominence in business and industry services, it
gradually but inevitably entered the healthcare industry. Another factor contributing to this
development is the commercialization of healthcare. Patient experience is now the industry's
guiding principle as it prepares for growing digitalization throughout its value chain.
Healthcare Sector and Clinical Capabilities
Telemedicine
3D Surgical Genetic
Procedures Engineering
Virtual Real Time
Consultation Diagnosis
Online Lab
Investigations
Through data accessibility and increased patient influence over their health, digital tools are
enabling doctors to have a more comprehensive understanding of patient health. Digital health
offers real opportunities to improve clinical outcomes and competence. These tools offer new
opportunities for enabling prevention, prompt detection of life-threatening disorders, and
management of chronic problems outside of the traditional health care context. They can also
assist users in making more educated decisions about their own health. Through integrating web
and mobile experiences, healthcare innovation seeks to improve patient outcomes, reduce human
error, streamline the work of medical professionals, and optimize medical software systems.
4.2 Indian Healthtech Startups
Adoption of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are currently receiving a lot of
attention. IT products are used by 37% of Healthtech businesses, while 54% of them rely on AI
and machine learning to deliver their services. The enormous population and the overburdened
healthcare infrastructure are the main problems the healthcare sector in this country faces,
despite the fact that healthcare has become considerably more accessible. Some of the Indian
Healthtech startups are discussed below.
1. Netmeds- The biggest healthcare startup in India that offers delivery services for medical
supplies, including prescription drugs.
2. HealthyfyMe- A startup developed under the Microsoft Accelerator programme. The
firm currently offers exercise regimens and individualised nutrition tracking services.
3. Cult.fit- The app offered users individualised training schedules, sessions for yoga,
meditation, and exercise are accessible through their app on demand and diagnostic tests
for determining one's present state of physical and mental health.
4. Practo- A platform for online software that offers automated appointment scheduling,
invoicing options, and medical record storage.
5. Driefcase- Digitizes patient medical records and offers a single-point, simple mobile app
access to their medical information.
4.3 Digitization and Education Sector
In order to protect India's youngsters during this Corona pandemic (COVID 19), numerous
attempts have been developed to promote school instruction via television and other relevant
online media. Additionally, it wasn't intended to interfere with the objectives of the
"Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Mission)". Education and training are crucial to
make India "Atmanirbhar," and as COVID-19 has demonstrated, the education sector must be
digitalized immediately. In order to make widespread digital education a reality and make India a
desirable location for higher education on par with international norms, it would also aid in
attracting FDI in the education industry. Startups in online education saw a spike as a result of
the pandemic. Some of the Indian Edtech startups are discussed below.
1. BYJU’S- It is one of the EdTech companies with the fastest growth rates in the world
and is currently valued at $13 billion. BYJU'S is currently India's top EdTech firm as a
result of the expansion.
2. Unacademy- It serves as a marketplace for various online courses. Unacademy has so far
provided education to more than 30,00,000 students. On its website, there are more than
2400 online courses available, both free and paid.
3. iQuanta- It is largest online CAT preparation community in India. The goal of iQuanta is
to make premium education accessible to all candidates for competitive exams. In just 5
years, iQuanta has expanded to encompass more than 3.5 lakh aspirants from all over the
world, resulting in 10,521+ IIM calls and 1000+ IIM conversion.
4. TrainerCentral - An application from Zoho called TrainerCentral aims to transform
online education. The inefficiencies caused by solitary tools are reduced by
Trainercentral. It also tackles the technical difficulties involved in starting an online
training business.
5. UpGrad- It supports well-designed courses and provides an engaging educational
experience. The number of users is steadily increasing, and 84% of visits are local.
UpGrad is a well-liked platform for online courses due to its excellent implementation.
4.4 Atmanirbhar Bharat and E-Commerce Industry
India is forecast to have the fastest-growing e-commerce market, with a projected value of USD
84 billion by 2021, according to a report by IBEF.org. In addition to encouraging FDI rules,
alluring prospects, and rising investments, this ecosystem is also backed by steadily rising
internet and smartphone adoption. Online trading has also greatly benefited from initiatives like
Startup India, Digital India, and Skill India. The "Country of Origin" for products must be
displayed on the platforms of major e-commerce companies like Flipkart, Amazon, and
Snapdeal. Brands' ethnicity not only increases their popularity in the local market, but also helps
them convey their value on a worldwide scale. To be "proudly Indian," local businesses like
Dabur, Himalaya, Lotus, and Amul have taken over social media. On the other side, consumers
are proudly supporting the "Make in India" philosophy. Homegrown alternatives like Roposo,
ShareChat, and others have gained users as a result of the ban on several Chinese apps, albeit
creating a strong ecosystem may still take some time. These tiny businesses can attract local
customers with an online presence, a quicker and more focused reaction time, customer
satisfaction, affiliate networks, and fair prices and offers. Therefore, any quality that ensures
customer happiness and safety can aid smaller firms in increasing their desire for localism and
acquiring a sizable user base within the Atmanirbhar India ecosystem.
4.5 Atmanirbhar Bharat and Financial Services
Although we have been employing a lot of digital ways in the banking sector lately, but the
pandemic allowed consumers to greatly benefit from the digital services provided by banks.
Online transactions make payments simple and secure, preventing consumers from experiencing
a cash shortage. India wants to revive the economy in these exceptional times by establishing an
independent nation known as Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Instead of cutting itself off from the rest of
the world, the goal is to embrace an integrated strategy to empower its inhabitants who are
suffering from this crisis and who have a dream but lack the resources to make it a reality. Only
if we are able to connect with every single person in every sphere of society will be able to
achieve this level of self-reliance.
An idea is just as good as how it is put into practise. Policymakers stand out from the rest due to
their aptitude for action. The Pradhan Mantri Jhan Dhan Yojana is thought to be one of the
largest financial inclusion projects in the world. The government has made significant progress
over the years. The programme guarantees access to a variety of financial services, such as the
provision of a basic savings account and access to need-based credit, remittances, insurance, and
pension. Rashtriya Swasthya and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. A few of the programmes that
have fueled this idea are the Bima Yojana (RSBY), Prashan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY),
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana, and the Stand Up
India programme. The government ensured that it provided the necessary digital infrastructure to
drive this change in the form of Aadhar enabled payment scheme (AePS), PAYGOV India,
Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Bharat Bills Payment Interface (BBPS), Immediate
Payment Service (IMPS), and BHIM Aadhaar, to name a few.
In the context of COVID-19, the government has taken a number of actions to reduce financial
sector stress by infusing money into the system. These safeguards have made sure that financial
institutions can continue to freely extend credit. But in order to bring the vision to life, financial
institutions must be motivated by the overarching goal of delivering financial inclusion that
sparks revolutionary changes and enhances the lives of the economically excluded households at
the base of the pyramid, who are frequently out of the purview of traditional financial service
providers.
The following institutional actions will go a long way toward promoting financial inclusion in
the post-COVID-19 environment and transforming India into Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Digital Digital
Lending Payment
Digital Financial
Digital Financial
Literacy
Technology
Programmes
IT Enabled Financial Skill
Development
Kiosk Sessions
Village
Screening
As a result, the robust digital financial ecosystem is converting India into an Atmanirbhar Bharat
by driving and enabling financial inclusion as technology and connectivity takes centre stage.
5. CONCLUSION
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is an ongoing idea. Because all economies have been
integrated under LPG policy since 1991, achieving this goal in the short future will be quite
challenging. It may be inferred from the analysis above that the Indian economy has a great deal
of potential for self-sufficiency, but doing so requires appropriate application of the rules set by
the government and proper distribution of the funds provided by the government. Rural areas
also have a lot of potential to flourish, provided the right policies are created and put into place.
The government should provide all the resources necessary for those industries to grow that have
the capacity to implement novel ideas. The Internet of Things and various digital of technology
in the future have opened up a variety of chances. The availability of a few alternative models
allows for the introduction of a vast number of opportunities.
By taking certain actions, the Abhiyan's goals could be achieved. Although the government has
allocated a sizable sum for the development of numerous sectors and programmes, the funds
must still be properly allocated in order for them to reach the intended recipients. The poor
population is particularly impacted by pandemics and natural disasters. As a result, the nation
should be ready to handle both natural and economic crises. Any idea or policy's success depends
on sound administration and the most suitable means of carrying it out. Recognizing the true
potential of the various sectors already present in urban and rural India and providing them with
adequate resources is essential for the successful execution of the initiatives described in
Abhiyan.
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