Join The Indian Digital Service

Context: India needs a new all-India service, Indian Digital Service (IDS), as a part of Civil Services.

Need for a new all-India service cadre — Indian Digital Service (IDS)

• To serve as backbone of GoI’s multiple digital and other emerging technology initiatives:
  • It will create a roadmap for e-governance, data protection, a level playing field in ecommerce for producers, especially MSMEs, and consumers, cryptocurrency, intellectual property protection, cybersecurity, etc.
  • Streamline technology policy work currently being carried out across ministries such as telecom, electronics and IT, commerce and industry, and external affairs.
• Addressing the capacity gap in e-governance: Currently, the Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS) is the primary cadre from which officers are assigned to work on different aspects of technology policy and digital issues. But this is inadequate.
  • Reinforce existing institutions to deal with challenges arising out of digital world: From data protection and white labelling to cryptocurrency, use of the dark net, ecommerce abuse, etc.
  • Role at state level in strengthening digitisation and building capacity: Bring in requisite institutional strength and skill-set for digital technology policymaking.
• Leverage India’s attractive digital ecosystem:
  • IDS can implement lateral hiring, by bringing in domain expertise from the private sector.
  • To propel India’s digital economy through able preparation and administration, effective dispute resolution and a futuristic outlook.