Global search giant Google Inc has joined hands with Indian government to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious Digital India programme by launching a nationwide contest for developing a mobile application for the PM’s office.
“MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government and Google are collaborating to launch a nationwide contest to develop a mobile app for the PM’s Office,” Google said in a statement.
Google said the mobile app will bring the PMO to every citizen and the contest will showcase how Indians can build a world class application.
Digital India programme is focused on increasing high-speed Internet connectivity across the country, introducing digital classrooms, building smart cities, providing online delivery of services through the integration of government departments, and introducing online visas.
Google will run a series of initiatives, which include collaboration with the government’s new citizen engagement platform, www.mygov.in.
Commenting on the joint initiative, RS Sharma Secretary, Department of Information Technology said, “The Digital India programme has been launched with the vision of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It can truly transform India and bring it on par with other developed countries.”
Google India Vice President and Managing Director Rajan Anandan said India is already home to the third largest number of Internet users globally with 245 million users as of June 2014 and is on track to become the second largest user market by 2015 and a 500 million-user market by 2016.
“Yet, there are more than a billion people who will need to be brought online for India to realise the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge economy. Prime Minister Modi’s Digital India programme will play a transformational role in achieving this,” Anandan added
To support the Prime Minister’s vision, Google will run a number of initiatives which also include programmes such as helping women get online, getting Indian SMEs online and showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture online which will further promote the digital empowerment of citizens.
Google is also engaged building a vibrant language ecosystem online and help the government transition into the increasingly ‘mobile’ India.
To encourage digital literacy and Internet safety, Google is also introducing curriculum for schools, officials and elected representatives.
Google is working with the Department of Information Technology and other state governments to develop these initiatives.
