NEW DELHI: Budget 2014 has come up with an extensive plan to bridge the digital divide in India. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has proposed a national rural internet and technology mission for which Rs 500 crore has been set aside.

‘Digital India’ has been initiated to provide broadband connectivity and other IT facilities at village level. Also proposed is a national rural internet and technology mission for services in villages and schools, training in IT skills and E-Kranti for government service delivery and governance scheme.

‘Digital India’ will aim to bridge the divide between the digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. This would ensure broadband connectivity at village level, improved access to services through IT enabled platforms, greater transparency in government processes and increased indigenous production of IT hardware and software for exports and improved domestic availability. Special focus will be given on supporting software product startups.