Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore Flags Off The Digital Rajasthan Yatra 2024 To Showcase Digital Change At The Grassroots Level

Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, the minister of IT&C, government of Rajasthan, officially flagged off the fourth edition of the Digital Rajasthan Yatra today (November 12) at the pre-summit event of Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.

Launched in partnership with Inc42 and the Department of Information Technology & Communication (DOIT&C), and powered by iStart, the initiative aims to spotlight how increased internet access and technology adoption are enriching lives and businesses across Rajasthan.

Throughout the Digital Rajasthan Yatra 2024, a dedicated team of five from Inc42 will traverse urban and rural landscapes to capture the unique ways local innovations are affecting people’s lives. 

At the flag off ceremony, Col. Rathore said, “technology is a powerful enabler of employment opportunities, especially in rural hubs. By driving innovation across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and education, we can significantly impact the lives of women, youth, senior citizens, farmers and professionals,”

As part of the journey, the Inc42 team will visit seven cities — Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner, and Bharatpur — over 12 days (December 17 to 28). The journey will be documented through interviews, meetings, and group discussions, bringing forward insights into the on-ground effects of digitalisation.

Talking above the Yatra, he added, “It aims to gather ground-level data on how technology is transforming lives in our state. In the long term we are committed to attract new businesses and investments, fostering direct employment and driving economic growth in Rajasthan.”

In previous editions of the yatra, Inc42 has spotlighted voices from diverse groups, including students, women startup leaders, government stakeholders and rural residents. A coffee table book published at the end of the yatra showcased how individuals leveraged digital tools, such as digital payments, to become micro-entrepreneurs, fulfil their entrepreneurial aspirations, pursue education or enhance government processes in their communities.

According to Inc42’s 2023 report on Rajasthan’s startup ecosystem, the state has 3.7K+ DPIIT registered startups. Its iStart initiate has been a critical game changer in Rajasthan’s startup scene, creating 34K+ job opportunities and supporting 59K+ students and 5K+ startups since its launch in 

Digital Rajasthan Yatra 2024: Showcasing Stories Of Digital Transformation 

Digitalisation is rapidly transforming every aspect of life, from shopping to payments to travel. Consider the convenience of ordering groceries within minutes (thanks to quick commerce) or booking a cab in moments — what was once limited to urban areas has spread widely across India’s heartlands, including Tier II, III cities and even many villages.

While we often focus on the larger shifts, such as India’s internet penetration projected to exceed 1.1 Bn+ users by 2025, or the government’s initiatives to drive digital growth, the granular impact is often less visible. Real change is best understood through the lives of people directly impacted by these shifts.

During the flag off, the Inc42 highlighted the achievements of the past three editions. 

This year, the focus of the yatra is on local innovation across different sectors. As it sets off across multiple cities in Rajasthan, we also have taken measures to ensure it is as engaging and inclusive as possible. To bring these stories to a wider audience, we have launched a dedicated website for the yatra, where readers can follow the journey through a live blog featuring stories and videos narrated by those directly experiencing the change — authentic accounts in their own words.

Additionally, the website provides an opportunity for Rajasthan’s citizens to connect with the Inc42 team on the ground if they wish to share their stories. Individuals, businesses and institutions from various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, youth and women empowerment and finance, are encouraged to reach out if they would like their digital transformation stories featured on the blog.

If you are involved in any of the above, apply below, and we’ll select a few for a personal visit.

The Rajasthan government has been a consistent partner with whom Inc42 has regularly worked to support and foster startups over the years. Now, with the launch of the Digital Rajasthan Yatra 2024, Inc42, in partnership with iStart, seeks to highlight the transformative impact of digitalisation across the state.

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