MeitY Launches ‘Blockchain India Challenge’ to Boost Digital Governance

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Blockchain India Challenge, a national initiative aimed at promoting blockchain-based digital governance solutions.

The challenge was launched on 23 February 2026 in New Delhi by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, in the presence of senior officials from MeitY and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

Objective of the Challenge

The Blockchain India Challenge aims to encourage Indian startups to develop permissioned blockchain-based solutions for government use cases.

The focus is on:

• Regulatory control
• Security and trust
• Auditability
• Tamper-proof records
• Single source of truth across systems

The initiative seeks to strengthen transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.

Key Governance Areas Covered

The challenge targets several critical domains, including:

• E-procurement
• Supply chain management
• Public Distribution System (PDS)
• Education
• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• Power sector
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Land records
• Environment and sustainability

Startups may also propose innovative solutions beyond the listed sectors in collaboration with government departments.

Implementation and Support

The initiative is being implemented by C-DAC with the support of MeitY.

Recognized startups under DPIIT, in partnership with government departments, will receive stage-wise funding support to develop ten impactful blockchain-based use cases across ten categories.

Selected solutions are expected to be scalable and deployable across India.

Vision for the Future

Secretary MeitY emphasized the role of blockchain in enhancing government service delivery through transparency and efficiency. He encouraged broader participation from the startup ecosystem to build field-ready and scalable solutions.

Eligible startups can register and access detailed information, including eligibility criteria, guidelines and intellectual property rights (IPR) details, on the official challenge website.

The initiative aligns with India’s vision of digital governance and innovation-driven public administration.

MCQs: Blockchain India Challenge 2026

Q1. The Blockchain India Challenge has been launched by which ministry?
(a) Ministry of Finance
(b) Ministry of Commerce
(c) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology
(e) Ministry of Home Affairs

Ans: (c)
Sol: The challenge was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Q2. The Blockchain India Challenge is being implemented by:
(a) NIC
(b) ISRO
(c) DRDO
(d) C-DAC
(e) NASSCOM

Ans: (d)
Sol: The initiative is implemented by C-DAC with support from MeitY.

Q3. The primary goal of the challenge is to develop:
(a) Public cryptocurrency platforms
(b) Permissioned blockchain solutions for governance
(c) Social media apps
(d) Gaming platforms
(e) Cloud storage solutions

Ans: (b)
Sol: The focus is on permissioned blockchain-based digital governance solutions.

Q4. Selected startups will receive funding support to develop how many blockchain-based use cases?
(a) 5
(b) 8
(c) 10
(d) 12
(e) 15

Ans: (c)
Sol: Ten impactful blockchain-based use cases will be supported.

Q5. Which of the following is NOT listed as a target domain under the challenge?
(a) Healthcare
(b) Agriculture
(c) Land Records
(d) Space Exploration
(e) Public Distribution System

Ans: (d)
Sol: Space Exploration is not among the listed governance domains.