PM Modi Says 5G Now Covers Every District, Highlights India's Digital and Mobile-Driven Governance at IMC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underlined how mobile phones and digital connectivity have reshaped the delivery of government services in India, saying Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) had enabled around ₹50 lakh crore to be transferred directly to beneficiaries while helping save nearly ₹5 lakh crore by curbing leakages.

Addressing the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, Modi said a growing number of public services can now be accessed through mobile phones, while government benefits are increasingly deposited directly into bank accounts linked to citizens' mobile numbers.

According to the Prime Minister, DBT has significantly improved the delivery of welfare schemes by reducing the scope for funds to be diverted to what he described as "wrong hands". He said his government would continue working to eliminate such malpractices. Modi also pointed to the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, saying more than ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers. He noted that payments are made every four months and beneficiaries receive mobile notifications when the money reaches their accounts.

The Prime Minister said digital connectivity has particularly benefited small farmers and other sections of society who previously struggled to access government schemes. He stressed that mobile phones have evolved from simple communication devices into important instruments for governance and public service delivery. "Less travel, less waiting, less cost and greater convenience" have become possible for citizens because of mobile-based services, Modi said.

Highlighting India's rapid expansion of 5G infrastructure, Modi said the technology has now reached every district across the country. He said more than 5.5 lakh 5G base stations are operational and noted that mobile internet speeds have increased roughly tenfold compared with 2022. Modi also credited the India Mobile Congress with providing a platform to showcase India's telecom growth and future ambitions. He recalled the event's role in hosting the International Telecommunication Union in 2024, where discussions focused on developing global standards for the digital ecosystem. He also referred to previous editions that emphasised themes such as investment, innovation and Make in India.

The Prime Minister further highlighted India's rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem, saying more than 500 million people are connected with gaming in some form. He pointed to the growing involvement of young people from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in gaming, e-sports, content creation and gaming-related businesses. With this growth, Modi said, the smartphone has effectively become both a gaming console and a platform for creating digital content.

He also highlighted the expansion of telecom infrastructure over the past decade, including the installation of communication towers in remote regions, wider optical-fibre connectivity and more affordable mobile data. According to him, these developments have helped create new economic opportunities and expanded India's consumer base across technology, entertainment and education. Modi stressed that stronger digital connectivity must be accompanied by robust security measures, saying both phone security and network security remain key priorities as India's digital ecosystem continues to expand.