Over two decades, and across two different political regimes, the world’s largest democracy combined the rise of cheap mobile phones, cheap data and a unique digital ID system to create an unprecedented revolution in digital public goods. This included the rise of path-breaking fintech systems like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the creation of a new kind of welfare state based on digital direct benefit transfers and interlinked e-governance systems that brought almost half a billion people who never had bank accounts into the financial system.
India’s Techade pieces together the story of how this digital revolution came to be. It is a crisp, yet comprehensive account of the systems, the innovators, the processes and the political will that drove the digital enterprise across India.
A must-read for anyone who wishes to understand the transformative nature of technology and its deep impact on Indian society, politics and culture.
PRAISE FOR NALIN MEHTA’S THE NEW BJP
‘A classic, a book that will be read widely and for a long time. its readership will include scholars, political activists, and anyone whose job or interest lies in understanding contemporary India and the processes that have shaped it.
Prof. Robin Jeffery
‘A book that will be indispensable for the study of contemporary India.’
Prof. Mahesh Rangarajan
‘Masterful account.. deftly weaves an enormous amount of material into an expansive and authoritative account of modern India.’
Prof. Assa Doron
‘I don’t think I have ever read a better book about a political party. Supporters of BJP and opponents will all be wiser after buying.. It brilliantly describes how BJP has grown to India’s lead party.’
Erik Solheim
‘Excellent book … the year’s first great political read.’
Hindustan Times
‘Wonderful book … and exhaustive look at the factors behind the arise of the BJP to a position of hegemony in Indian politics.’
The Hindu
‘A classic … It is a must-read book.’
Gulf News
‘It is a well-researched massive tome… this is a landmark book.’
The New Indian Express
‘A seminal work.’
The Hindu Business Line
