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India's Tech Vision: Modi's Focus on Problem-Solving

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 4:17 GMT by ThePrint
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New Delhi, January 31st, 2026 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm belief that technology holds the key to resolving India's most pressing societal challenges is actively shaping the nation's development trajectory, according to S. Aparna, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog. Speaking at a panel discussion yesterday, part of the 'India@100 - Technological Transformations for a Sustainable Future' conference hosted by FICCI, Aparna detailed how this vision is influencing policy initiatives and strategic planning within the government's premier think tank.

The 'India@100' conference, focused on charting a course for India's future as it approaches the centennial of its independence, highlighted technology as the central pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth. Aparna's remarks underscored the shift towards leveraging technological innovation not just for economic advancement, but also as a fundamental tool for social upliftment and addressing long-standing systemic issues.

"The Prime Minister consistently emphasizes that technology isn't simply about progress, it's about problem-solving," Aparna explained. "He believes that if we are to truly address India's large-scale societal challenges - from poverty and inequality to healthcare access and environmental sustainability - we must proactively and intelligently leverage technological advancements."

This isn't merely rhetoric, Aparna stressed. NITI Aayog is actively translating this vision into concrete policy frameworks centered around three core pillars: robust data governance, pervasive digital infrastructure, and a responsive regulatory environment.

Data Governance: Balancing Innovation with Citizen Rights

Aparna highlighted the critical importance of establishing a comprehensive data governance framework. While acknowledging the immense potential of data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive informed decision-making and personalize public services, she emphasized that this must be balanced with the paramount need to protect citizen privacy and ensure data security. "We are working on a framework that allows for responsible data utilization while upholding the fundamental rights of individuals. This includes clear guidelines on data collection, storage, access, and usage, and robust mechanisms for redressal," she stated.

This focus on data governance comes amid growing global concerns about data breaches, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of AI. India, with its vast and increasingly digitized population, faces unique challenges in this area. NITI Aayog is reportedly collaborating with international experts and organizations to learn from best practices and develop a framework that is both effective and aligned with international standards. There has been some discussion regarding a 'data trust' model, allowing citizens more control over their personal information.

Digital Infrastructure: Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide

Aparna underscored the necessity of extending affordable and accessible digital infrastructure to all corners of the country, with particular emphasis on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. "Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity for education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and participation in the modern economy," she asserted.

The government's BharatNet project, aimed at connecting all villages with high-speed internet, is a key component of this strategy. However, Aparna acknowledged that significant challenges remain in terms of last-mile connectivity and affordability. NITI Aayog is exploring innovative models for public-private partnerships and community-owned digital infrastructure to accelerate deployment and ensure sustainability. Satellite internet solutions and low-cost devices are also being considered to reach remote and underserved populations.

Regulatory Framework: Fostering Innovation, Ensuring Responsibility

Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change, Aparna emphasized the need for a flexible and responsive regulatory framework that fosters innovation while safeguarding public interests. "We need to avoid overly prescriptive regulations that stifle creativity and hinder the development of new technologies," she explained. "However, we also need to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and ethically, and that appropriate safeguards are in place to mitigate potential risks."

Areas under consideration for regulatory reform include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and fintech. NITI Aayog is advocating for a 'sandbox' approach, allowing companies to test new technologies in a controlled environment before widespread deployment.

The 'India@100' conference concluded with a call for greater collaboration between government, industry, and academia to accelerate technological innovation and build a more sustainable and equitable future for India. Aparna's remarks confirmed that Prime Minister Modi's vision of a tech-driven India is not just a long-term aspiration, but a concrete policy direction actively being pursued by NITI Aayog and the government as a whole.