Gujarat integrates Divyang bus pass with DigiLocker system
Source:india.com ↗
આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
Highlights state-level digital public infrastructure (DPI) implementations and welfare schemes targeting vulnerable groups (PwDs). Crucial for GPSC Prelims questions focusing on Gujarat's governance, social justice initiatives, and achievements in the e-governance domain.
સારાંશ
The Gujarat government's integration of the 'Divyang Bus Pass' with DigiLocker has achieved national recognition from the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY. By transitioning to a paperless system, the initiative empowers Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) to access their bus passes digitally via smartphones, ensuring seamless and secure free travel on GSRTC buses. The scheme also includes an Accidental Death Insurance Cover of ₹4 Lakhs. Driven by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and SeMT, this integration marks a significant milestone in Gujarat's commitment to the 'Digital India' mission and inclusive e-governance.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- The Gujarat government successfully integrated the 'Divyang Bus Pass' with DigiLocker, enabling Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to store and access their passes digitally.
- This paperless e-governance initiative facilitates free and secure travel for Divyang individuals on Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses without requiring physical documents.
- Alongside free travel, the Divyang Bus Pass scheme provides an Accidental Death Insurance Cover of ₹4 Lakhs.
- The initiative received national recognition from the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY during a National Consultative Workshop on Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
National e-Governance Division (NeGD)
An independent division under MeitY's Digital India Corporation serving as the central technical and programme management arm. It designs, develops, and implements key Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and e-governance platforms across India.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (E-Governance). Relevant for questions on institutional frameworks executing Digital India and managing national public digital platforms.
State e-Governance Mission Team (SeMT)
A dedicated capacity-building team established under the National e-Governance Plan. It provides technical, strategic, and project management support to state governments for standardizing and seamlessly implementing regional e-governance initiatives.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (Governance). Tests understanding of center-state coordination, capacity building, and digital decentralization in public administration.
DigiLocker
A flagship cloud-based platform under Digital India that provides citizens with a secure digital document wallet. It allows users to store, access, and share legally valid government documents to promote paperless administration.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (E-Governance) & GS Paper 3 (IT). Essential for topics on digital empowerment, public service delivery, and administrative efficiency.
Divyang Bus Pass Scheme
A Gujarat state welfare initiative offering persons with disabilities free travel on state transport buses and a ₹4 lakh accidental death insurance. Its recent DigiLocker integration ensures seamless, paperless accessibility.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (Welfare Schemes). Illustrates the practical intersection of citizen-centric e-governance and targeted social justice for the differently-abled.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
The apex Union government ministry responsible for India's IT policy, electronics manufacturing, digital economy, cyber security, and executing the overarching Digital India vision.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 & 3. Foundational for answering questions on India’s digital architecture, administrative frameworks, and cyber governance.
Digital India
The Government of India's flagship umbrella programme launched to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy by expanding digital infrastructure, services, and digital literacy.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2 (Policies) & Paper 3 (Technology). The core foundational framework evaluating India's shift toward digital inclusion and transparency.
પ્રિલિમ્સ ટ્રેપ
The Divyang Bus Pass is a Central Sector Scheme providing free all-India transit and ₹4 lakh insurance.
It is a Gujarat state-specific scheme for GSRTC buses, despite receiving national recognition from MeitY's NeGD for its digital integration.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What is the legal framework and structure of DigiLocker?
- MeitY Initiative: It is a flagship initiative under MeitY's Digital India Corporation (DIC), overseen by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
- Legal Parity: Documents issued in DigiLocker are treated at par with original physical documents under the IT Rules, 2016.
- Aadhaar Integration: It uses Aadhaar as the primary mechanism for user authentication and document fetching.
How does the RPwD Act 2016 mandate accessible public transport?
- Mandatory Access: Section 41 mandates appropriate governments to ensure that all modes of transport are made accessible to Persons with Disabilities.
- Concessions & Facilities: State governments are empowered and encouraged to provide transport concessions and retrofitted facilities for PwDs.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
Digital Public Goods for Vulnerable Groups
Linking welfare schemes to DigiLocker bridges physical accessibility gaps for PwDs, transitioning the Digital India mission from general service delivery to targeted social justice.
Federalism in Digital Infrastructure
State e-Governance Mission Teams (SeMTs) integrating local schemes with central platforms like DigiLocker demonstrates cooperative federalism within India's digital infrastructure.
Expect a question combining RPwD Act mandates with digital accessibility tools (like DigiLocker) assessing welfare scheme delivery.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 3
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 3
- 2026GPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following initiatives are primarily aimed at strengthening digital governance and digital public infrastructure in India? 1. Digital India 2. Aadhaar 3. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Choose the correct option from the following.
- 2025GPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following is/are true for e-Sampark? (i) e-Sampark is a mechanism to connect the government directly with citizens across India by running mailer, outbound dialling and SMS campaigns (ii) e-Sampark is a one-stop solution providing technical support and services towards a hassle-free admission process in academic institutions across the country
- 2025GPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the G-SAFAL scheme?
