Government has decided to allocate Rs 5 billion for its ‘Digital India’ initiative to set up a broadband network in villages and promote local manufacturing of hardware and Indian software products.

A special focus will be on supporting software products start-ups, as well as on establishing national rural Internet and technology mission service in villages, and training in IT.

In a bid to open more opportunities for the technology firms, the government has proposed to set up 100 smart cities and will provide funds to the tune of Rs 70.60 billion for the same.

Further, manufacturing units will be allowed to sell their products through retail and e-commerce platforms to enhance the earnings of the small and medium enterprises.