About Digital Public Infrastructure
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to shared, open and interoperable digital systems that enable citizens, governments and businesses to access and provide services at scale.
- It generally consists of digital identity, payments, data exchange and open technology platforms.
- India’s DPI model aims to promote financial inclusion, efficient service delivery, innovation and inclusive digital growth.
- Unlike a single government application, DPI provides the underlying digital “rails” on which multiple public and private services can operate.
Key Components of DPI
1. Digital Identity: Systems that provide secure and verifiable digital identity to individuals.
Example: Aadhaar enables identity authentication and facilitates access to various services.
2. Digital Payments: Interoperable systems that enable fast, secure and low-cost digital transactions.
Example: UPI enables instant bank-to-bank payments through an open and interoperable network.
3. Data Exchange & Consent: Infrastructure that enables individuals to securely share data with service providers based on consent.
Example: Account Aggregator framework facilitates consent-based financial data sharing.
4. Digital Credentials: Systems that allow citizens to securely store and access certificates and official documents.
Example: DigiLocker enables digital issuance and verification of documents.
5. Open & Interoperable Platforms: Common standards and APIs allow different platforms and applications to communicate with each other.
Example: ONDC applies an open-network approach to digital commerce.
India’s Major DPI Examples
| DPI | Primary Function |
| Aadhaar | Digital identity & authentication |
| UPI | Digital payments |
| DigiLocker | Digital documents & credentials |
| Account Aggregator | Consent-based data sharing |
| ONDC | Open digital commerce network |
| DIKSHA | Digital education |
| CoWIN | Digital health/vaccination infrastructure |
Conclusion
Digital Public Infrastructure represents a shift from government-owned digital platforms to open digital ecosystems. By combining identity, payments, data and interoperability, India can make digital services more accessible, competitive and inclusive.
| This Concept has been Elaborately Discussed in the following Article: AI Tutor for Every Child: Democratising Quality Education through DPI |