Digital Governance Training Program | NeGD & IIM Calcutta | UPSC Current Affairs 2025

Digital Governance Training ProgramThe News

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) along with IIM Calcutta has completed the third cohort of the ‘Digital Governance and Data Management’ program.

This initiative is a component of the Capacity Building for Digital Government (Digital (CBDG) programme of the government, that seeks to familiarise government officials with practices on data-based decision-making, e-Governance and digital transformation strategies.

 About the Program

Objective:

Develop capacity for digital leadership in the policymakers and senior civil servants.

Deepen expertise on data management, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and policy innovation.

Participants:

Senior government officials of central and state ministries.

The third batch consisted of officers from various other sectors including health, education, transportation, finance and public service delivery.

Structure:

Curriculum: Co-created by NeGD & IIM,Calcutta.

Case studies on Digital India, Aadhaar, GSTN CoWIN platform.

International best practices in e-Governance.

 Significance

Digital Transformation of Governance:

• Promotes India’s shift to data-driven decision-making culture.
• Enables Governance to leverage AI, Machine Learning and Analytics efficiently.

Better Service Delivery:

• Enhances citizen services such as DBTs, health records and digital payments.
• Streamlining ocean shipping with less bureaucracy by automating and adopting greater transparency.

Capacity Building:

• Corresponds to the objective of building a digitally literate civil service.
• Reinforces execution of major initiatives under Digital India, Smart Cities, and PM GatiShakti.

 Challenges Ahead

• Digital Divide: Poor coverage persists in rural and isolated areas.
• Cybersecurity Risks: There are risks to added digitalization.
• Change Management: Bureaucracy will often push back on digitalization establishment structures.
• Data Privacy: Trust on management of data by government is equally important for citizens.

 Way Forward

• Boost State-Level Training: Expand the programs to state and local officials.
• Standing Troops: An added bonus is playing the game throughout the year having games.
• Partnerships with Academia: More IITs and IIMs can offer sector specific modules.
• Focus on Cyber & Ethics: Integrate training on data privacy, AI ethics, and cybersecurity.

 UPSC Relevance

Prelims:

Digital India Campaign, NeGD (MeitY) Freemium Model Indicative costing estimates have been sourced from Company Websites; Software Firm official website, NeGD, MeitY, Board/Bureau, or Government Organization’s Scheme.

Module 3 Participants will be introduced to basics of e-Governance and policy driven with data.

Mains (GS II – Governance, GS III – Technology):

Role of e-governance in addressing transparency and accountability issues.

Training and retraining of bureaucracy in order to enhance service delivery.

Weighing technology against privacy and inclusion.

Previous Year UPSC Questions (Relevant)

With reference to the “Digital India” programme, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to provide universal digital literacy in India.

2. It aims to connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to schools, public places and major tourist centres.

3. It aims to provide broadband highways, universal access to mobile connectivity, and e-Governance through technology platforms.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

 Explanation

The Digital India Programme, launched in 2015, is a flagship initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). Its vision is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

• Mains 2018 (GS II):
  “E-Governance is not only about technology but also about transforming the way government operates and citizens interact. Discuss.”

 Conclusion

NeGD officals say, “The course is aimed at developing a pool of digital talent across the government ready to be part of the digital revolution through bid data and analytics. If officers in India are better prepared to handle data and e-Governance, then the Digital India vision can be fortified, ensuring effective delivery of service to citizens and also make adjustments to the changing contours of digital world.

For UPSC aspirants, this case is an excellent example of the interplay among capacity building, governance reforms and technology in the administrative modernization of India.