'Digital India to prepare nation for tech-based transformation'

President Pranab Mukherjee Monday said Digital India programme would prepare the country for technology-based transformation.

"My government has envisioned an ambitious umbrella programme, Digital India, to prepare the country for technology-based transformation and citizen centric transparent governance with service orientation," he said, addressing a joint session of both the houses of parliament on the first day of budget session.

"Aadhar-based attendance system and Jeevan Praman, Aadhar-based Digital Life Certificate Portal, have shown that innovative use of technology can make enormous difference," he said.

Mukherjee said measures, which are being taken to accomplish digital inclusion in rural areas, small towns, north-east and other remote areas have opened up "immense job opportunities" in those areas.

The president also mentioned that promoting "manufacturing of electronic goods has been an area of thrust".