As India enters a pivotal phase in its digital transformation journey, the Government continues to push forward ambitious programs aimed at empowering citizens, enhancing infrastructure, and positioning India as a global tech leader. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has spearheaded several landmark initiatives in 2024, from semiconductor manufacturing and AI leadership to digital literacy and cyber resilience.
Aligned with this national momentum, DT continues its tradition of spotlighting key government-led transformations. With the digital sector witnessing its highest growth to date, this edition brings an in-depth review and comprehensive report card on the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s achievements throughout 2024—offering our readers critical insights into the milestones shaping India’s digital future.
Key Highlights:
Government of India approved four (4) semiconductor manufacturing units in India under Semicon India Programme
India takes the lead in Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) by hosting 6th meeting of the GPAI Ministerial Council in New Delhi; Set to be outgoing chair in 2025
9 projects under Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) approved by government; To generate 15,710 Jobs6.39 crore individals trained under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) exceeding the target of 6 crore
Skill Development training undertaken for 18,209 SC/ST & EWS (Women) youth across 81 Aspirational Districts to make them reliable for employment and entrepreneurship
With 50+ Stakeholders onboard, BHASHINI bridging language barriers for accessible digital services with with 100 million+ Inferences per month; Translation services available in 22 scheduled Indian languages
Prime Minister of India launched three (3) PARAM Rudra supercomputers to strengthen research & innovation in India; Physics, earth sciences, and cosmological studies to get a boost
In 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) led key initiatives to advance India’s digital growth, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and skill development. These efforts aim to make technology more accessible, boost innovation, and strengthen India’s position on the global tech stage.
Semicon India Programme
The Semicon India Programme, launched in 2021 with a ₹76,000 crore outlay, aims to establish a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India. It offers 50% fiscal support for setting up semiconductor fabs, display fabs, and ATMP/OSAT facilities. The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme provides up to ₹15 crore for product design and up to ₹30 crore based on sales turnover. The programme also includes the modernization of the Semi-Conductor Laboratory in Mohali. Complementary initiatives like SPECS and PLI schemes further bolster electronics manufacturing. Additionally, the government is fostering semiconductor talent through AICTE-approved curricula and the Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme.
IndiaAI Mission
INDIAai is a joint venture by MeitY, NeGD and NASSCOM that has been set up to prepare the nation for an AI future. This has been implemented as a one stop online portal for AI related developments in India, sharing of resources, details of start-ups, investment funds in AI, companies and educational institutions related to AI in India, etc.
The portal currently has the following major sections – news, articles, case studies, research reports, listing of startups, listing of investment funds, colleges, companies, countries, people, videos, datasets, courses, and initiatives of states and central ministries.
As on date, there are 2,806 national and international articles, 1,175 news, 334 videos, 164 research reports, 472 startups, 99 case studies, and 184 government initiatives listed on the National AI Portal.
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)
As one of the largest Global South economies leading the AI race, India nominated itself for the position of incoming council chair of GPAI. India received more than two-thirds of first-preference votes and was therefore elected as the Incoming Council Chair in November 2022. India will serve as the Incoming Chair in 2023, then subsequently Lead Chair in 2024, and Outgoing Chair in 2025.
The 6th meeting of the GPAI Ministerial Council was held on 3rd July 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in a hybrid mode.
Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme
EMC Scheme 2.0
With the approval of the union Cabinet, MeitY notified EMC 2.0 Scheme on 01.04.2020 to provide financial assistance for creation of industry-oriented infrastructure along with common facilities and amenities including plug & play facilities for attracting major electronics manufacturers along with their supply chain to set up their manufacturing facility through such clusters.
The Scheme was open for receipt of application for a period upto March, 2024 with disbursement of funds upto March, 2028 to the approved projects.
Cyber Security for resilient digital landscape in India
As part of the Cyber Surakshit Bharat (CSB) programme, MeitY conducted the 45th batch of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Deep Dive training. This initiative aimed at equipping CISOs and IT officials from government sectors, PSUs, and financial institutions with essential cybersecurity skills and strengthening India's digital security. CERT-In has also made significant progress by onboarding 388 organizations to the Cyber Swachhta Kendra and holding a cybersecurity drill for the health sector.
Digital India BHASHINI: Language translation Platform
BHASHINI aims to transcend language barriers, ensuring that every citizen can effortlessly access digital services in their own language. Using Voice as a medium, BHASHINI has the potential to bridge language as well as the digital divide. Launched by Honourable PM in July 2022 under the National Language Technology Mission, BHASHINI aims to provide technology translation services in 22 scheduled Indian languages.17 Indian languages are supported.
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)
On 26th September, Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers to the nation via video conferencing. These supercomputers, developed under the NSM, are installed at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in New Delhi (3 PetaFlops), the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune (1 PetaFlop), and the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata (838 TeraFlops).
Policy Amendments
CCTV Security Standards Update
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has updated regulations for CCTV cameras under the Comprehensive Regulatory Order (CRO), effective October 2024. All CCTV cameras manufactured or sold in India must meet strict security standards, including physical security, access control, network encryption, and penetration testing. This update aims to enhance the quality and cybersecurity of surveillance systems in the country.
STQC Certification for CCTV
In March 2024, the Indian government mandated STQC certification for CCTV cameras under the Public Procurement Order (PPO), requiring compliance with Essential Requirements (ER) for cybersecurity and safety. This became effective for government procurements from June 6, 2024. Additionally, an amendment to the BIS Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) mandates ER compliance for all CCTV cameras sold in India by April 9, 2025. These measures aim to enhance cybersecurity and promote indigenous manufacturing.
India's Digital Revolution: Transforming Infrastructure, Governance and Public Service
India's digital infrastructure has undergone a transformative evolution in recent years, positioning the country as a global leader in digital adoption. With a rapidly expanding digital economy, driven by innovations in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital governance, India's infrastructure is continuously evolving to meet the growing demands of the public and private sectors. Key initiatives and projects have been rolled out to strengthen the country’s digital backbone, ensuring accessibility, scalability, and security in delivering government services, fostering economic growth, and enhancing citizens’ lives.
Other Highlights
Major Policy Developments in 2024: CCTV standards upgraded & Forensic Science Laboratory recognized as electronic evidence examiners Under Section 79A of IT Act
Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative for strengthening cybersecurity of govt. officials, CSC welfare Camps for traders & citizens, Capacity building programmes organised by NeGD
138.34 Crore Aadhaar numbers generated so far and DIKSHA World's largest education platform, empowering millions with 556.37 crore learning sessions
67 million Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers created, and 1,803 Institutions and 637 Districts linked under National Knowledge Network
637 Districts linked under National Knowledge NetworkUMANG empowering 7.12 Crore users with access to over 2,000 Government Services from 207 Departments of the Central and State Governments across 32 States
5.84 lakh operational CSCs with 4.63 lakh at the gram panchayat level, bridging the digital divide in rural India by providing more than 800 services government services
Paperless Governance in Action: DigiLocker, Entity Locker, and GovDrive transforming Document Management with over 37 Crore registered users on DigiLocker
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