Digital Delhi conclave 2025 concludes with insightful discussions on digital public infrastructure and sustainability

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-02-26 19:18:37 |

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New Delhi, Feb 26: The Digital Delhi Conclave 2025 (DDC '25), hosted by IIIT-Delhi, concluded with engaging discussions on the role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and governance. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, academicians, and students to explore the intersection of technology and public welfare.

Over the past five years, the conclave has emerged as a significant platform for deliberations on how digital innovations can drive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year’s theme focused on the evolving role of private entities in delivering public functions within the DPI ecosystem.

In his welcome address, Director of IIIT-Delhi Prof. Ranjan Bose emphasized the transformative impact of DPI on everyday life, citing examples such as digital payments for street vendors and seamless air travel through Digi Yatra.

He underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address socio-economic disparities while tackling privacy and inclusivity concerns.

One of the most anticipated sessions was a panel discussion titled “Privacy – A Public Concern?”, moderated by Naresh Aditya Madhav, Data Protection Officer at Concentrix Corp. The session delved into India’s evolving data protection framework and privacy challenges.

Prof. Sambuddho from IIIT-Delhi analyzed the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, highlighting vulnerabilities associated with Aadhaar and the general disregard for privacy in India.

Lawyer and digital policy researcher Smriti Parsheera raised concerns about the commodification of health data and potential risks linked to schemes like Ayushman Bharat. Dr. Deepak Prince of IIIT-Delhi framed privacy as a moral issue, advocating for a balance between transparency and protection to safeguard citizens’ rights.

Another engaging session focused on the public nature of DPI and its future implications. Moderated by Dr. Manohar Kumar of IIIT-Delhi, the discussion challenged traditional definitions of "public" within DPI. Kriti Mittal, Associate Director at eGovernments Foundation, urged stakeholders to rethink digital infrastructure’s role in serving society.

Prof. Balaji Parthasarathy of IIIT Bangalore questioned “DPI for whom?”, arguing that DPI must ensure equitable access and benefits. Prof. Shishir K Jha of IIT Bombay stressed the need to treat data as a public good, advocating for policy frameworks that empower data-driven decision-making.

A dedicated workshop on gender-responsive digital infrastructure, led by Sharon Buteau, Executive Director at LEAD, Krea University, highlighted the gender gap in digital adoption.

She introduced the concept of “gender intentionality”, arguing that neutrality is insufficient and digital frameworks must actively incorporate gender considerations.

Buteau revealed a striking statistic—while 350 million people use UPI, only 30% are women. She outlined six key areas requiring attention to build a Gender-Responsive DPI: Affordability, Accessibility, Digital Literacy, Relevance, Safety & Security, and Social Norms.

The workshop provided actionable insights on making digital services more inclusive, particularly for marginalized communities.

The conclave concluded with a fireside chat on GST digitization, featuring retired IRS officer M. V. Vasudevan in conversation with Dr. Anuj Grover of IIIT-Delhi. Vasudevan shared his experiences in digitizing GST, emphasizing the importance of defining clear business specifications at the outset of large-scale digital projects.

He discussed challenges such as managing redundancies, ensuring data security, and optimizing user experience. His insights underscored how robust digital infrastructure can enhance governance efficiency.