India has lifted 800 million out of poverty through smartphone use, says UNGA president
Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, has lauded India’s digitalization initiatives for their significant impact on development and poverty alleviation. Speaking at a lecture hosted by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Francis highlighted that India has successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty in the past 5-6 years through the strategic use of smartphones.
Francis underscored the transformative effect of digitalization, particularly in rural areas where people now conduct transactions, pay bills, and access financial services via smartphones. This technological advancement has accelerated progress towards development goals, including Zero Hunger for current and future generations.
“The high level of internet penetration in India has played a crucial role in its economic growth,” Francis noted. He pointed out that rural farmers, once disconnected from banking services, are now managing their financial transactions through mobile technology. This has contributed to a notable reduction in poverty levels.
However, Francis also addressed the disparity in digital access across the Global South, stressing the need for efforts to promote digital equity. “Addressing this inequality is essential for developing a global digital framework,” he said.
The Narendra Modi government has prioritized digitization over the past decade, resulting in a surge in digital payment transactions and the widespread adoption of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This shift has been a key factor in India’s economic progress and its success in poverty reduction.
