UPSC Prelims 2016 Q84: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements
is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e - documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
DigiLocker
Launched in July 2015 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme | Correct | A flagship service of Digital India |
| 2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location | Correct | Documents sit in the cloud and open anywhere |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Linked to | Aadhaar and mobile number |
| Issued documents | Driving licence, PAN, mark sheets, vehicle registration |
| Legal status | Documents are at par with originals under IT Rules of 2016 |
| Benefit | Paperless governance; fewer fake documents |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: e-documents can be accessed from any location.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: it is offered under the Digital India Programme.
- (c) CORRECT. DigiLocker is a Government digital locker that gives access to e-documents anywhere.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements about DigiLocker are true.
Key point
DigiLocker (2015, Digital India): cloud locker linked to Aadhaar; issued documents are legally equal to originals; paperless governance.
Remember
DigiLocker = Government cloud locker for documents.
Common mistakes
- Thinking DigiLocker is a private app; the Government runs it.
- Doubting the legal validity of its documents.
- Confusing it with e-Sign, the digital signature service.
Exam tip
Simple, positive statements about a flagship e-governance service are usually both true.
Sources
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology — DigiLocker
- Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries Providing Digital Locker Facilities) Rules, 2016