Digital Transformation in India is a Matter of Pride for Parliamentary Democracy – Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde

Important Discussions at the 68th CPA International Conference in Barbados

Barbados, Oct 2025 : India’s digital transformation has become a matter of immense pride for parliamentary democracy. The related technological progress has further strengthened and accelerated the democratic system. In India, the world’s largest democracy, this technology has increased transparency, accountability, and participation up to the last citizen, stated Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde.

At the ongoing 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International Conference in Barbados, Prof. Ram Shinde participated in the workshop titled “Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformation and Tackling the Digital Divide”, where he shared India’s experiences in digital transformation and highlighted the significant role of digital technology in strengthening democracy.

While participating in the workshop, Prof. Ram Shinde said, “Democracy is an effort to achieve maximum welfare through maximum participation of people. In India, the world’s largest democracy, technology has enhanced transparency, accountability, and participation to the last citizen.”

He elaborated that e-governance, digital portals, and direct benefit transfer schemes have directly connected citizens with the government, forming the foundation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Digital India” vision. While reviewing India’s digital policies, he cited successful initiatives such as the ‘MyGov’ portal, ‘RTI Online’ system, DigiLocker, UMANG app, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). These initiatives directly benefit over 800 million citizens.

He also highlighted the ‘JAM Trinity’—Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile—which has enabled financial inclusion, and noted that the UPI system has positioned India at the forefront of global digital transactions. In the fields of education, health, and social justice, India has taken revolutionary steps using digital tools, including initiatives such as SWAYAM, DIKSHA, Aarogya Setu, e-Sanjeevani, and CoWIN.

Prof. Ram Shinde emphasized that the Election Commission of India has implemented technological improvements to make the voting system more transparent, creating a global model. He also cautioned about challenges related to digital inequality, misinformation, and cybersecurity.

He concluded, “India’s digital journey is not just technological; it is an innovative framework of democratic thinking. Every citizen’s participation and voice is central to this system. This is what truly defines an inclusive and empowered digital democracy.”