The ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) is driving the expansion of DigiLocker usage across more government departments and states. DigiLocker is a digital locker, i.e., a secured online repository that can be used to store digital copies of important documents like certificates, PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving license and more. Individuals using the DigiLocker can get their submitted documents verified whenever required, digitally in real-time, without taking the hassle of verification physically.
Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, Digital India, told English dailies that MeitY has already initiated the request and different government departments are preparing to align to the process. The ministry of skill development has already jumped on the DigiLocker wagon and will issue their certificates digitally to the citizens. MeitY’s next goal is to get the ministry of agriculture on board for the certificates they issue, which will expand its reach to the rural and semi-urban areas.
The government is also pushing for upgrades, including introduction of electronic forms that would link the documents and avoid the hassle of scanning and attachment, and creating scanners within the DigiLocker to decrypt a QR code for accessing the data.
Since its launch in July 2016, over 9 million people have signed up for the technology and a total of 1.97 billion documents already are stored in personal accounts. Educational boards like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) are submitting examination certificates and results digitally to respective candidate’s DigiLocker account. Other major departments who are already conforming to the service include the Unique Identification Authority of India, the ministry of road transport and highways, the ministry of petroleum and birth, income and caste certificates published by states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
This initiative will ensure the safety and longevity of all important documents and also drive a paperless ecosystem.
