Google launches initiatives in support of Digital India

New Delhi: Search giant Google Monday said it is working with government to launch a nationwide contest for developing a mobile application for the PM's Office, an initiative to support the Digital India programme.

"MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government and Google are collaborating to launch a nationwide contest to develop a mobile app for the PM's Office," Google said in a statement.

Google said the mobile app will bring the PMO to every citizen and the contest will showcase how Indians can build a world class app.

As part of supporting the Prime Minister's vision, Google will run a number of initiatives which also include programmes such as helping women get online, getting Indian SMEs online and showcasing India?s rich heritage and culture online which will further promote the digital empowerment of citizens.

The search giant said it will continue to build a vibrant language ecosystem online and help the government transition into the increasingly 'mobile' India.

To encourage digital literacy and Internet safety, Google is also introducing curriculum for schools, officials and elected representatives.

Google is working with the Department of Information Technology and other state governments to develop these initiatives.

"I'm happy Google is coming forward to roll out initiatives that will contribute to the Digital India vision. I'm sure others will come forward and join this moment," Department of Information Technology Secretary RS Sharma said.

Google India Vice President and Managing Director Rajan Anandan said India is already home to the third largest number of Internet users globally with 245 million users as of June 2014 and is on track to become the second largest user market by 2015 and a 500 million-user market by 2016.

"Yet, there are more than a billion people who will need to be brought online for India to realise the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge economy. Prime Minister Modi's Digital India programme will play a transformational role in achieving this," Anandan added.