Finance Minister: Digital Infrastructure Driving India Towards Viksit Bharat

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed a gathering at Vels University, Chennai, emphasizing the pivotal role of digital infrastructure in propelling India towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Reflecting on the initial skepticism surrounding the digital economy introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she highlighted the significant strides made, with 43 crore digital transactions occurring monthly across all strata of society. Addressing concerns about internet connectivity in rural areas, she underscored the widespread adoption of digital transactions nationwide.

Minister Sitharaman emphasized the seamless nature of digital transactions, ensuring accessibility without additional charges, thanks to interconnected systems for buyers, sellers, and payment methods. She lauded the transformative impact of Prime Minister Modi's 'Udan' policy, enabling even individuals from rural backgrounds to access air travel, citing the procurement of around 600 new aircraft by private airlines. Illustrating this progress, she envisioned a scenario where a woman from rural Salem could easily fly to destinations like the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, highlighting the improved connectivity across towns and cities.

Furthermore, Minister Sitharaman outlined the economic potential of the Defense Corridor in Tamil Nadu, comprising key cities like Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tiruchi, and Coimbatore, which is poised to bolster the local economy and uplift surrounding villages. She also lauded the emergence of private sector initiatives such as the Naval Shipyard at Kuttupulli near Chennai, which has garnered international recognition by becoming a repair center for US naval ships. Highlighting the employment opportunities in this sector, she encouraged students to pursue careers in naval courses, ensuring direct employment prospects in the burgeoning Naval Shipyard.

In closing, Minister Sitharaman urged the students to become ambassadors of Viksit Bharat, championing the country's growth narrative among their peers, family, and wider communities. Her address underscored the transformative impact of digital infrastructure and strategic policies in fostering economic development and inclusivity across India, resonating with the vision of a developed and prosperous nation by 2047.