In a significant step toward enhancing trust and transparency in digital services, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India announced the launch of the Vishvasya Blockchain Technology Stack - The National Blockchain Framework (NBF) on September 4. This initiative aims to leverage blockchain technology to improve the security, transparency, and efficiency of digital service delivery across various sectors. By fostering the development of decentralized applications, the NBF seeks to create a more secure digital ecosystem for citizen-centric services.

What is the National Blockchain Framework?

The National Blockchain Framework represents a major government effort to establish a trusted digital environment using blockchain technology. Unlike public blockchains such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are accessible to everyone, the NBF employs permissioned blockchains. These networks restrict access to authorized participants who can validate transactions, ensuring a higher level of security and privacy. The framework's goal is to apply blockchain technology across a wide range of government services, enhancing data integrity, transparency, and trust in digital transactions.

At the core of this framework is the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, which offers Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) through a geographically distributed infrastructure. This setup is designed to support a variety of permissioned blockchain applications, allowing both public and private sector entities to build and deploy blockchain-based solutions.

Implementation of the Framework

The NBF is built upon a distributed infrastructure, hosted across three National Informatics Centre (NIC) data centers located in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad. By spreading the infrastructure across multiple locations, the government aims to minimize the risk of system failures and ensure the uninterrupted availability of services. This distributed approach also contributes to a more resilient digital ecosystem, enhancing the framework’s ability to support mission-critical applications.

Tools for Developers and Researchers

To foster innovation and encourage blockchain adoption, NBF has introduced NBFLite, a sandbox platform specifically designed for startups and academic institutions. NBFLite allows users to develop, test, and prototype blockchain-based applications in a controlled environment. This not only reduces the initial investment needed for infrastructure but also serves as a valuable training ground for future developers, enabling them to gain hands-on experience with blockchain technology.

Ensuring Mobile App Authenticity with Praamaanik

A critical component of the NBF is Praamaanik, a blockchain-based solution aimed at verifying the authenticity of mobile applications. With the increasing prevalence of counterfeit apps that pose significant security risks, Praamaanik provides a secure and transparent method for developers and users to authenticate the origins of mobile apps. By leveraging blockchain technology, Praamaanik aims to enhance trust in the mobile app ecosystem and safeguard users from potential threats.

Impact on Governance in India

The government believes that the adoption of blockchain technology can revolutionize the delivery of public services by making them more transparent, accountable, and efficient. According to S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, the NBF will play a crucial role in building digital trust and ensuring the security and reliability of government services. The initiative is expected to streamline various administrative processes, reduce fraud, and improve overall governance.

Collaboration and Development

The development of the NBF is the result of a collaborative effort involving several public institutions such as the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad, and other academic and research organizations. This collaboration has already yielded significant results, including patents and research publications, which underscore India’s growing expertise in blockchain technology.

Key Features of Vishvasya BaaS

The Vishvasya Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) comes with several notable features designed to facilitate rapid development and deployment of blockchain applications:

• End-to-end permissioned blockchain application development and deployment.
• Ready-to-use, security-audited blockchain containers for production environments.
• Comprehensive security audit guidelines and best practices tailored to blockchain-specific needs.
• A geographically distributed infrastructure across three data centers in Hyderabad, Pune, and Bhubaneswar.
• Extensive documentation for easy onboarding of stakeholders.
• NBFLite, a lightweight platform for rapid prototyping, research, and learning.

Applications of the Framework

To demonstrate the potential of the Vishvasya BaaS, the government has also introduced a suite of applications that leverage blockchain technology:

• e-Stamps Solution
• Judiciary Application
• IPS Officers Service Level Training Record Management
• Forensic Application
• Praamaanik - Verification of Mobile App Authenticity
• Consent Management Framework
• IoT Device Security Management
• Cotton Bale Identification and Tracking
• Domicile Certificate Chain
• Document Chain (Caste Certificate Chain, Property Chain, Education Certificate Chain)
• Tracking of Agricultural Produce
• Inspection System for Child Care Institutions

These applications highlight the diverse potential uses of blockchain technology in enhancing the efficiency and security of various governmental and administrative processes.

Future Prospects

The National Blockchain Framework is still in its nascent stages, with plenty of room for growth and expansion. As more government departments begin to adopt this framework for their digital services, the possibilities for innovation and efficiency are vast. MeitY is actively encouraging the onboarding of additional platforms and solutions, with the broader vision of positioning India as a global leader in blockchain technology. The goal is to not only implement these homegrown solutions domestically but also to integrate them into the global digital economy.

Conclusion

The launch of the Vishvasya or National Blockchain Framework marks a significant step in India’s digital journey, signalling a commitment to building a secure, transparent, and efficient digital infrastructure. By leveraging blockchain technology, the framework aims to revolutionize the way government services are delivered, fostering greater trust and accountability. As the framework evolves and more stakeholders come on board, it holds the potential to set new standards for digital governance, not just in India, but across the globe. This initiative could pave the way for India to become a pioneer in blockchain technology, driving innovation and setting benchmarks for digital trust worldwide.