Dr. Jitendra Singh Champions Citizen-Centric Digital Governance at IIPA Meet

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, holding independent charge of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and serving in multiple portfolios under the Prime Minister’s Office, delivered a visionary inaugural address at the Southern Regional Conference of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) held at Pondicherry University. The event underscored the pivotal role of digital governance in transforming India’s administrative landscape, aligning with the national ambition of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

From “Minimum Government” to “Maximum Citizen Empowerment”

Dr. Singh opened his remarks by reflecting on India’s evolving governance philosophy. What began as a push for “minimum government, maximum governance” has now matured into a dynamic, citizen-centric digital ecosystem. He emphasized that this digital shift is not just a technological upgrade but a civilizational pivot toward transparency, accessibility, and dignity for every citizen.

The conference theme, “Empowering Citizens in Digital India: Administrative, Management and Organizational Reforms”, resonates with this shift. Dr. Singh noted that the last decade has laid the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital future, particularly benefiting remote and underserved communities.

Launch of Governance Cell at Pondicherry University

A major highlight of the event was the launch of a Governance Cell at Pondicherry University. Conceived as a thought leadership incubator, the cell aims to involve students and young professionals in the discourse on governance reform and nation-building. Dr. Singh described it as “a platform to nurture ethical leadership, innovative thinking, and public service orientation in the youth.”

Digital Reforms: Tools of Transformation

The Minister revisited a suite of governance reforms introduced since 2014, showcasing their tangible impact:

• DigiLocker and UMANG have simplified document access and government service delivery.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) have drastically reduced corruption and inefficiencies.

• Self-attestation policies and digital life certificates have minimized citizen-government friction, especially aiding senior citizens and rural populations.

He stressed that these reforms are not mere digitization of bureaucracy but instruments of dignified governance. “Face-recognition technology for pensions is not about surveillance—it’s about sparing a 90-year-old from unnecessary travel,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Bridging the Access Divide in Healthcare and Housing

Dr. Singh pointed to schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana as examples of how digital platforms can deliver social equity. “India is one of the very few countries that insures pre-existing conditions. That’s a testament to a governance model rooted in compassion,” he stated.

On the education front, he highlighted ‘One Nation, One Subscription’, which offers free access to top international journals across universities. This, he said, levels the playing field for students and researchers regardless of geographic or institutional limitations.

Global Recognition and Economic Trajectory

India’s digital reforms are not only gaining domestic traction but also international recognition. Dr. Singh cited India’s rising ranks in:

• The Global Innovation Index

• Startup ecosystem ratings

• Patent filings

He emphasized that India, currently the 4th largest economy, is poised to become 3rd by 2027, driven in part by innovations in digital and scientific governance.

Uniting Academia, Bureaucracy, and Industry

Dr. Singh’s keynote also called for stronger collaborations between universities, administrative services, and the private sector. “Digital India is no longer a mission. It is now the operating system of our governance,” he remarked, urging stakeholders to fully integrate digital tools into development strategy.

He linked this approach to broader national goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, particularly pointing to untapped domains such as deep sea resources and space exploration as future economic and strategic frontiers.

Book Launch and Honours

The event also witnessed the release of the book “Digital Governance in India – Transforming Public Service Delivery” authored by Dr. T. Gopinath, Assistant Professor and Dean (Student Welfare), Department of Public Administration, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chandigarh. The book outlines how digitization is altering public administration frameworks in India.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also felicitated veteran IAS officer Vallavan, acknowledging his lifelong contribution to Indian public administration.

A Vibrant Exchange of Ideas

With over 350 participants, including senior government officials, faculty, researchers, and industry leaders, the conference served as a melting pot of ideas and policy discussions. Delegates from IIPA’s Southern Regional branches—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry—were in attendance.

More than 80 academic papers were presented, showcasing diverse research on governance challenges and innovations across India. The event was graced by notable dignitaries such as:

• Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University

• Dr. Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Puducherry

• Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director General, IIPA

• Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA

• Dr. Ashok Das, Dean Academics

Closing Message: The Future is Citizen-Led

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Singh stressed that the next leap in governance would come from empowering citizens as co-creators, not just recipients of services. “We must now unlock the potential of India’s oceans, outer space, and human capital with equal resolve,” he said.

With a blend of policy insights, institutional collaborations, and student engagement, the conference set a bold new direction for the evolving narrative of Digital India.