India Unveils Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack to Revolutionize Digital Trust and Service Delivery
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, a groundbreaking initiative to offer Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) with geographically distributed infrastructure. This new stack, along with NBFLite, Praamaanik, and the National Blockchain Portal, aims to enhance trust, security, and transparency for citizen-centric applications.
Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack: Blockchain-as-a-Service
The Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, unveiled by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, is designed to support various permissioned blockchain applications by offering BaaS with a distributed infrastructure hosted across NIC Data Centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad. This infrastructure will enable the development of secure and scalable blockchain applications, particularly focused on government services.
NBFLite: Blockchain Sandbox for Startups and Academia
Alongside Vishvasya, NBFLite, a lightweight blockchain platform, was introduced to promote rapid application prototyping, research, and capacity building. Specifically designed for startups and academic institutions, NBFLite offers a sandbox environment to develop blockchain applications, fostering innovation in the sector.
Praamaanik and the National Blockchain Portal
The launch also included Praamaanik, a blockchain-enabled solution for verifying the origin of mobile apps, and the National Blockchain Portal, which aims to promote further development and application of blockchain technology across various sectors. These initiatives are expected to help the government position India as a global leader in blockchain technology.
National Blockchain Framework: Enhancing Digital Trust
The National Blockchain Framework (NBF), developed by MeitY, aims to provide Blockchain-as-a-Service while promoting secure and transparent digital service delivery to citizens. NBF supports two permissioned blockchain platforms and offers a robust technology stack featuring smart contracts, API gateways, security measures, and interoperability.
Shri S. Krishnan emphasized the importance of blockchain technology in driving digital empowerment, economic growth, and social development. He encouraged stakeholders to leverage NBF for global blockchain adoption.
Blockchain to Transform Governance in India
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary of MeitY, highlighted the potential of blockchain technology in transforming public governance. By making public services more transparent and accountable, blockchain is set to revolutionize how government services are delivered. He also stressed the importance of scaling blockchain applications across different states and departments.
Research and Development Challenges Addressed
Smt. Sunita Verma, Scientist G, emphasized the National Blockchain Framework’s focus on addressing challenges such as vendor lock-in, lack of skilled blockchain professionals, and research issues related to security and interoperability. Collaboration with academic and research institutions such as IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad, and SETS Chennai was instrumental in developing the stack.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Blockchain Adoption
With the launch of these initiatives, India is poised to lead the global blockchain space. Stakeholders are optimistic that blockchain technology, through efforts like the National Blockchain Framework, will significantly enhance the country’s digital infrastructure while contributing to the growth of the global digital economy.
