The process of coming back to India after years overseas can be overwhelming for most NRIs. As much as emotional ties and business prospects attract you back, the process of resettling in your home country may appear daunting. Thankfully, Digital India initiatives have revolutionized the scene by leaps and bounds in recent years. As technology experts and government leaders had forecasted, India’s digital revolution is making the journey of returning NRIs much easier. Here’s how Digital India is making your comeback home easier than ever.
DigiLocker: Your Papers at Your Fingertips
On returning to India, paperwork involved can be overwhelming, right from address proofs to proof of identity. DigiLocker, a flagship initiative of Digital India, allows you to store all your key papers digitally in one secure place. With DigiLocker, you can access your Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, and educational degrees anywhere and at any time. It is no longer required to carry papers when visiting government offices or banks. Interesting fact: DigiLocker has over 100 million users and has issued over 4 billion documents electronically, and it is one of the largest digital document platforms in the world!
UPI: Revolutionizing the Way We Make Financial Transactions
Do you still recall the times when we used to stand in lines at banks or write cheques? Those are things of the past due to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). As an NRI returning to India, you will be amazed at how UPI has transformed routine transactions. From paying vegetable vendor bills in your locality to clearing utility bills, UPI helps you transfer money from your phone without waiting a moment. With over 8 billion transactions per month, UPI has made India the digital payments world leader. Setting up UPI is simple – just an Indian bank account and internet-enabled smartphone needed. This cashless revolution makes managing your money endlessly simple as you get back to India.
Aadhaar Ecosystem: Single ID for Everything
The Aadhaar ecosystem has become the spine of Digital India with a single system of identification that simplifies numerous processes for the returning NRIs. Your 12-digit Aadhaar number is the single ID for practically everything in India today. From opening a bank account to mobile connectivity, your Aadhaar card is a must. The cherry on the cake is that now NRIs can apply for Aadhaar upon their return without waiting for the 182-day stay period. With biometric authentication and e-KYC services, verification processes which took weeks to complete now take minutes, so it is a breeze for you to prove your identity at short notice upon your return.
Government Services Online: No More Office Hopping
Remember visiting multiple government offices for basic services? Digital India has transformed this experience through platforms like the National Portal of India and UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance). These portals provide access to scores of government services across departments – from property registration to pension claims, tax filing to passport services. You can now complete most bureaucratic processes from the comfort of your own home. This online approach not only saves time but also reduces the chances of corruption and red tape that were typically pain points for NRIs returning to India.
CoWIN and Health Stack: Managing Healthcare Digitally
India’s digital health ecosystem has evolved significantly, particularly in the post-pandemic era. The CoWIN platform designed specifically for COVID-19 vaccination has now evolved to become a complete digital health ecosystem. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission provides you with a Health ID that retains your medical records online, and thus they are accessible to medical professionals anywhere. That means no more lugging files around while visiting different physicians. For former NRIs who were accustomed to digital healthcare outside India, this system provides you with a comfortable experience, with continuity in managing your health during your re-return to India.
Conclusion
Digital India has significantly improved the experience for NRIs returning to their home country. The digital infrastructure, including paperless documentation, financial transactions, government services, and digital healthcare, has made the return process easier. This digitally enabled, streamlined India allows NRIs to focus on rebuilding their lives in their own nation, with fewer bureaucratic hurdles and more opportunities to focus on what truly matters. As a result, the return to India is more efficient and enjoyable.
FAQs’
1. What is DigiLocker and how does it help NRIs?
Ans – DigiLocker is a secure online platform that lets NRIs store and access key documents like Aadhaar, PAN, and driving license digitally.
2. Is DigiLocker accepted by government offices and banks?
Ans – Yes, documents in DigiLocker are legally valid and widely accepted across India.
3. What is UPI and why is it useful for returning NRIs?
Ans – UPI (Unified Payments Interface) enables instant, cashless payments directly from a mobile phone, useful for daily transactions.
4. What do NRIs need to start using UPI?
Ans – You just need an Indian bank account and a smartphone with internet access.
5. Why is Aadhaar important for NRIs returning to India?
Ans – Aadhaar acts as a universal ID for opening accounts, getting mobile SIMs, and accessing many services.
6. Can NRIs apply for Aadhaar right after arrival?
Ans – Yes, they no longer need to wait 182 days to apply.
7. What government services can NRIs access online?
Ans – You can access services like tax filing, passport renewal, and property registration on portals like UMANG.
8. How does Digital India reduce red tape for NRIs?
Ans – Most services are now online, reducing paperwork, delays, and visits to government offices.
9. What is the CoWIN platform used for now?
Ans – CoWIN has expanded beyond COVID-19 vaccines and supports digital health records.
10. What is a Health ID and how does it benefit NRIs?
Ans – A Health ID stores your medical records online, making healthcare access faster and paperless.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not accept any liability for errors or omissions in this information nor any direct, indirect, or consequential losses arising from its use.
