National Blockchain Framework: Securing India’s Digital Future

Context
- India is increasingly integrating blockchain technology across governance and public services.
- The National Blockchain Framework (NBF) is a strategic initiative to develop a secure, transparent, and scalable digital governance infrastructure.
- Blockchain’s potential to enhance trust, reduce corruption, and improve efficiency is central to this move.
National Blockchain Framework (NBF)
- Launch & Budget: Officially launched in September 2024 with a budget of ₹64.76 crore.
- Purpose: Provides a unified architecture to deploy blockchain applications across public sectors.
- Achievements: As of 21 October 2025, over 34 crore documents have been verified on blockchain platforms under the NBF.
- Significance: Marks a major milestone in India’s digital governance journey.
Blockchain Technology
- Definition: A distributed, transparent, secure, and immutable digital ledger recording transactions across a network, ensuring data integrity without intermediaries.
- Types:
- Public Blockchain: Open network; all nodes can verify transactions and add blocks.
- Private Blockchain: Permissioned network; ideal for government use with controlled access.
- Consortium Blockchain: Semi-decentralized, governed by multiple organizations.
- Hybrid Blockchain: Combines public and private features for selective access.
- Core Strengths: Transparency, Immutability, Decentralization, Trust
Why Blockchain for Governance?
- Centralized databases are prone to fraud, data breaches, and inefficiency.
- Blockchain’s tamper-proof architecture ensures:
- Verifiable trust without intermediaries
- Reduced corruption
- Faster service delivery
- Enhanced data integrity
Key Components of NBF
- Vishvasya Blockchain Stack
- Developed by NIC, it is the technical backbone of NBF.
- Features:
- Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS): Deploy applications without building infrastructure
- Distributed Infrastructure: Hosted across NIC Data Centres (Bhubaneswar, Pune, Hyderabad)
- Permissioned Blockchain: Verified participants validate transactions
- Open APIs: Integration with e-Governance platforms
- NBFLite – Sandbox for Startups & Academia
- Lightweight version for innovation and experimentation
- Enables prototypes and use of smart contracts in governance
- Praamaanik – App Verification System
- Verifies authenticity and source of mobile apps
- Ensures trust and safety in the digital marketplace
- National Blockchain Portal
- Centralized platform documenting India’s blockchain strategy
- Promotes cross-sector adoption and standardization
Applications in Governance
- Certificates & Document Chain: Prevents fraud and delays
- CBSE Certificate Chain for secure academic certificates
- Government documents: caste, income, birth/death certificates
- Verified 34 crore documents (Oct 2025)
- Logistics Chain: Ensures traceability and transparency
- Example: Aushada medicine supply chain in Karnataka
- Judiciary Chain: Digitizes judicial processes
- Enables electronic notices, summons, bail orders
- 665 documents verified
- Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS): Unified blockchain for police to judiciary
- 39,000+ documents verified
- Property Chain: Secure property transaction records
- Over 34 crore property documents verified
- Emerging Use Cases:
- Land Records, Blood Banks, GST Chain, PDS
Institutional & Regulatory Support
- National Strategy on Blockchain (MeitY): Goals include integration, standardization, and interoperability
- Centre of Excellence (CoE – NIC): Provides consultancy, training, infrastructure, and global collaboration
- TRAI: Uses Distributed Ledger Technology to reduce spam and fraud
- RBI: Blockchain-enabled Digital Rupee (e₹) pilots for secure transactions
- NSDL: Debenture Covenant Monitoring on blockchain for investor confidence
Capacity Building
- Skill Development Programs: 214+ programs, 21,000+ officials trained
- PG Diploma in FinTech & Blockchain Development (PG-DFBD): 900-hour comprehensive course
- BLEND Programme (C-DAC): Online training for students & professionals
- FutureSkills PRIME: National initiative training youth in emerging technologies
Conclusion
- The National Blockchain Framework embodies India’s vision for Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- It ensures trust, transparency, efficiency, and interoperability across governance systems.
- With over 34 crore verified documents and expanding applications in judiciary, finance, and public services, India is establishing itself as a global leader in blockchain governance, fostering innovation, skill development, and accountable digital growth.
Surce : PIB