What is Digitalization?
Digitalization is more commonly known as digitization of things and is basically the concept of converting all the human readable data into a computer readable data.
The human readable data (analog format) is our normal script which includes numbers, languages, etc. but a computer readable data (digital format) is different from the human readable data as it is in the binary format or in the form of bits.
There is another concept of digitalization in India which involves using the digitization technologies and adapting to them in our day to day.
This campaign is launched by the Government of India. Its main objective is to provide all the facilities to the citizens through internet.
For example, applying for any document online, instead of going to the government office and waiting in the long queue to get your chance of even getting the offline application form.
Is there a difference between Digitization & Digitalization?
Yes, there is a difference between digitalization and digitization. The term digitization simply means converting your physical data into its digital version.
And the term Digitalization means adapting to the already digitized material.
For example, a person learns to use the online system of applying for a domicile certificate instead of going to the government office, taking the application form, filling and submitting it back to the office. This process is called as digitalization.
The process of digitization of your data does not mean that your physical data will be destroyed; it simply means that there will be a digitalized copy of your physical data.
It is more of a technical process than the process of digitalization. The process of digitalization is much of a maintaining process of the digitized data or digitization.
There is another concept called ‘digital transformation’ which can be explained as a broader definition of digitalization and on a larger scale affecting a larger group of population.
This transformation is only achieved when there is a complete adaptation to the concept of Digitalization.
Why Digitalization?
The process of digitalization in a country is a very huge step and requires a lot of time to settle with the idea of not using the traditional methods of business transaction but switching to an online format.
The digital transaction is a very time saving and handy concept as it requires only a computer and the proper internet connection along with the personal information regarding the transaction.
India has just stepped into the world of digitalization; therefore, it will take time to adapt to it. But it is definitely a call of digital evolution for a developing country like India.
Whenever any business or government institution introduces the digital aspect of transaction it is not easy for the citizens to adapt to it over a night.
The newly introduced online format will first be tested by the citizens if it’s reliable or not and if it is really qualitative (as we all know every facility provided to the common man matters only if its quality is good).
Over a period of time, the citizens then adapt to the concept of digitalization. India has stepped into the world of full/complete Digitalization and is making its way through the various ideas and aspects of digitalization and therefore, adapting to it.
Digital India: A Dream turned into a Reality
Digital India can also be referred to as a National Movement to achieve digital transformation which was launched two and a half years ago on 01/06/2015.
The main objective of this programme is to make India digitally strong among all the other developed as well as developing countries.
As it is of common knowledge that use of the internet and the new developing communication technologies is increasing day by day.
It has now reached to such a point that the human race has become dependent on the Internet facilities. Therefore, to promote and facilitate this new evolving concept of digitalization, the Government has launched a programme called “Digital India”.
Digitalization targets many different digital challenges faced by the Society which include provision of proper broadband highway, to provide proper mobile connection services (communication services), information for all sections of the society varying in age, gender and occupation.
This scheme also focuses on providing job opportunities through various schemes mainly the Make in India scheme.
The main motive of this programme is to provide the digital infrastructure, all the government services in a digitalized manner and to spread literacy via the internet.
Digital Infrastructure refers to the infrastructure or basic amenities required to carry out proper digital transactions.
This may include providing the software required for digital transaction, the cloud services for storage of the records entered in the different government schemes and applications, providing with the knowledge of how to avail the digital services, etc.
The government services (e-government services) which include applying for various documents like domicile certificates, caste certificates, income certificates, etc. by using the online facility is the secondary objective of the government.
The third very important and urgent objective is to make each and every Indian citizen a literate citizen of this country. The more the literacy rate, more will be the development rate of the country.
By providing the digital services the government will make sure that the knowledge is spread to the citizens living in remote areas as well as the poorest citizens of the country.
The maximum population of India belongs to the rural area and is surviving on an agricultural occupation. Therefore, these sections of the population need to be supported by providing them with all the education facilities as well as occupational facilities and for this, the most convenient option is the digital scheme launched by the government.
Another concept which is most widely seen is that of online education and working online that is in a virtual environment where all the communication happens over email or phone calls.
Online Education is a new concept but is being accepted by the young generation at a very fast rate. This involves taking courses or getting education i.e. gaining knowledge about any interesting topic through internet facilities.
There are different schemes launched by the government for the people working in various sectors to promote digitalization as well as to assure the people that it is a reliable, quick and a beneficial transformation.
Digitalization not only saves time but also allows the applicant to get maximum benefit from the respective scheme. For example, we must have heard a lot of times that the schemes launched by the government do not reach till the common man because there is corruption in the middle and therefore, the people can not avail the financial benefits.
To reduce this corruption in the middle of the process there is a direct connection now made by the government in the form of e-government services.
Conclusion
Digital India scheme is so far considered to be the most useful application and the best example of digitalization. It is attracting a lot of people due to its unique application and easy to understand.
Thus, it can be said that digitalization is a long term change and is on the verge of becoming a major pillar of the Information and Communication Technology sector.
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