STARTUP-STORIES

Government to Launch Unified Portal for Digital Public Goods (DPGs)

SUMMARY

The Indian government is building a unified portal listing all Digital Public Goods (DPGs) like Aadhaar and UPI. This will simplify access to government services and provide developers with information to collaborate and build on top of these public infrastructures.

This initiative aims for transparency by requiring departments to explain DPG functionalities and user base. It's separate from the "super app" concept, focusing on a user-friendly portal rather than a single app. The DPG market is expected to reach $100 billion globally, and this portal positions India to be a player.

The Indian government is taking a significant step towards simplifying access to its digital services by creating a unified portal for Digital Public Goods (DPGs). Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and potential benefits:

Centralized Platform for DPGs:

The government plans to develop a single portal listing all DPGs, including prominent ones like Aadhaar, UPI, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
This centralized platform aims to provide users with easier access and discovery of various government apps and services.

Streamlined Information and Services:

Currently, accessing government services often requires navigating through individual apps and platforms of different departments.
The proposed portal will consolidate information and access steps for all DPGs, promoting user convenience.

Enhanced Transparency and Collaboration:

Government departments will be required to furnish details about their DPGs, including functionalities, user base, technology stack, and usage guidelines.
This transparency will promote better understanding of DPGs and potentially foster collaboration between government and private developers.

Future-Proofing Innovation:

The portal will not only list existing DPGs but also include upcoming services under development.
This will allow application developers and software engineers to discover potential collaboration opportunities and leverage DPG infrastructure for innovative solutions.

Economic Benefits:

The DPG market is projected to reach $100 billion globally within the next five to six years.
By creating a unified platform and fostering collaboration, the government aims to contribute to this growth and potentially attract foreign investments in DPG development.
As per estimates, developing DPGs can be highly cost-effective, with costs as low as 74 cents per person.

Differentiation from Super App Approach:

The government emphasizes that this initiative is distinct from the previously proposed "super app" concept.
The focus lies on a user-friendly, informative portal rather than a single, all-encompassing application.