10 Years of Digital India: From Doubts to Dominance as UPI Surpasses Visa Transactions
New Delhi, July 16 — Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Sunday reflected on India’s remarkable digital transformation over the past decade, proudly stating that what was once doubted — a tea seller or vegetable vendor making digital payments — is now a powerful reality. Speaking at a packed hall in Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, Vaishnaw announced that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions have surpassed Visa globally, underlining India’s leadership in digital finance.
India's Digital Leap: From Divide to Global Power
Celebrating 10 years of the Digital India initiative, Vaishnaw highlighted the transformation from a digitally divided country to the world's third-largest digital economy. At the core of this success lies the Common Services Centres (CSC) network, a rural digital backbone that now spans nearly 90% of India’s villages, bridging the gap between technology and grassroots populations.
Rural Digital Heroes: Women Leading the Charge
In a heartfelt moment, Vaishnaw spotlighted the stories of two inspiring women:
- Manjulata from Mayurbhanj, Odisha
- Rose Angelina from East West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Both overcame personal struggles, acquired digital skills, and became Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Through their CSC centres, they have brought services such as Aadhaar, banking, health consultations, and digital literacy to their remote communities.
“These stories reflect the strength of 1.4 billion Indians who have embraced technology for empowerment,” said the Minister.
UPI: A Global Example of India’s Digital Success
UPI’s record-breaking success is perhaps the most visible proof of India’s digital revolution. From just a few lakh transactions in 2016, UPI now processes billions of transactions every month, outpacing global giants like Visa. It has become the preferred payment method for everyone—from local vegetable vendors to large retail chains.
Big Announcements for the Next Digital Decade
As India prepares for its next leap forward, Minister Vaishnaw made several key announcements:
- Free AI training for 10 lakh youth, prioritizing CSC VLEs
- Expansion of IRCTC ticket booking services to all CSCs
- Coordination with State IT agencies to expand digital service delivery
- Strengthening cybersecurity and building digital capacity in key sectors like health, agriculture, and education
Jitin Prasada: From 83,000 to 5.5 Lakh CSCs
Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada also addressed the gathering and praised the massive growth of CSCs — from 83,000 in 2014 to nearly 5.5 lakh in 2024.
“More than 74,000 women are now leading these centres. They are pillars of India's digital empowerment,” Prasada noted.
He recommended expanding services offered through CSCs, including:
- Update Client Lite for Aadhaar
- Access to state government schemes
- Additional digital welfare services to boost VLE incomes
TheTrendingPeople.com’s Final Thoughts
A decade ago, the idea of a tea seller using digital payments was mocked. Today, it's the norm. India’s Digital India journey, powered by UPI and grassroots VLEs, showcases the strength of inclusive innovation. The next phase — led by AI training, expanded digital services, and stronger rural networks — promises to unlock even more opportunities. But success must now be matched with cybersecurity, capacity building, and continued policy innovation.