Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a 'Call Before u Dig' (CBuD) app to aid excavation and inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office and Innovation Centre in Delhi. The CBuD app will facilitate coordination between excavation agencies and underground utility owners to prevent damage to utilities due to digging.
Speaking at the event in Delhi, Prime Minister said, "This decade is India's 'Techade'. Within 6 months of launching 5G, India has started talking about 6G. This shows the confidence of India. India is fast becoming exporter of telecom technology from just being a user. India's telecom and digital model is smooth, secure, transparent and trusted."
India rolled out 5G connections in more than 125 cities within 120 days. India will set up 100 5G labs in the coming years, PM Modi said.
"When we talk about bridging the technological divide, it is very natural to expect from India... In India, telecom technology is about empowering our citizens."
Prime Minister Modi said, "Today, when India is presiding over the G20, one of our priorities is to reduce the regional divide. Global South is making major strides in bridging the technological divide. The ITU Area office and Innovation Centre will also play a key role in this."
"More than 800 crore UPI-based digital payments are made in India every month. Every day over 7 crores of e-authentication takes place. More than Rs 28 lakh crore directly transferred to citizens' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer," PM Modi
Also present at the event, Doreen Bogdan, Secretary-General of International Telecommunication Union said, "India is a role model for countries that are looking to digital transformation. India is home to one of the biggest startup ecosystems, digital payments market and tech workforce in the world. Under the vision and leadership of PM Modi, Digital India has put the country on forefront of tech innovation & adaption with game-changing initiatives like Aadhar, UPI and others."
"Innovation in India is happening fast and at a low cost and at a scale never seen before because at the centre is the core principle of inclusive growth which is captured in the mantra of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'," Bogdan added.
What is 'Call Before u Dig' (CBuD) App
“Call Before u Dig” (CBuD) mobile application, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. It aims to give excavating companies a point of contact where they can inquire about the presence of existing subsurface utilities prior to starting excavation work. Via the programme, utility owners can also find out about impending work at the location.