A great Budget for the digital ecosystem: Vivek Bhargava

Reactions are pouring in for the Union Budget 2018-19, presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today morning. Several measures and sops have been announced to give a boost to the Government’s Digital India initiative, led by doubling the allocation for Digital India to Rs 373 crore. Vivek Bhargava, CEO, DAN Performance Group, is upbeat about the Budget proposals to give a boost to India’s digital economy. 

“Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s Budget this year focuses on investments to be placed in artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things, with the NITI Aayog establishing a national programme to direct efforts in artificial intelligence. The Government has committed itself to the development of technology, along with concentrating on AI and its applications, which is a revolutionary move for the digital industry. 

Initiatives on infrastructure growth and education expansion have been looked at from a digital perspective, which reflects the significance of the ‘Blackboard to digital board’ movement. Decisions benefiting rural citizens – such as 5 lakh WiFi spots – give it a further impetus. 

Another game changer mentioned in this Budget is the Government’s will to proactively explore the use of blockchain technology. The allocation of Digital India has been doubled to Rs 373 crore, which indicates the Government’s emphasis on digital, heralding a stronger digital economy. I believe, this is a great Budget for the digital ecosystem.”