Why in the News?

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the PIB Explainers.

About National Blockchain Framework (NBF):

• Launched: September 2024 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) with a ₹64.76 crore budget.
• Objective: Establish a unified, secure, and scalable blockchain architecture for governance and public service delivery.
• Purpose: Promote trust, transparency, and interoperability across digital systems through a permissioned blockchain network deployed at NIC data centres in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad.
• Impact: Enables ministries, regulators, and state governments to develop Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions for faster, tamper-proof, and verifiable transactions.

Core Components of the NBF Ecosystem:

1. Vishvasya Blockchain Stack:
   1. Indigenous modular platform serving as NBF’s backbone.
   2. Offers Blockchain-as-a-Service, distributed infrastructure, and open APIs for seamless e-Governance integration.
   3. Ensures permissioned, secure, and scalable operations across departments.
2. NBFLite (Blockchain Sandbox):
   1. A testing environment for startups, academia, and innovators to build and validate blockchain prototypes.
   2. Preloaded with smart contract templates for governance and supply chain applications.
3. Praamaanik:
   1. A blockchain-based mobile app verification system to authenticate legitimate applications and curb fake or malicious software.
   2. Enhances digital trust and cybersecurity in app ecosystems.
4. National Blockchain Portal:
   1. A unified digital interface for blockchain adoption across government and industry.
   2. Acts as a repository of standards, policies, and interoperability guidelines under MeitY’s blockchain strategy.

Applications in India’s Governance:

• Certificate & Document Chain: Digitally secures government-issued documents (e.g., birth, caste, CBSE certificates) to prevent forgery; 34 crore+ verifications completed on blockchain platforms.
• Property Chain: Records and verifies land and property transactions transparently, enabling instant ownership validation; Aims to reduce litigation and expedite land record updates.
• Judiciary Chain: Provides immutable records of judicial data, facilitating e-delivery of notices, bail orders, and summons; 665 judiciary documents verified as of October 2025.
• Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS): Links police, prosecution, and judiciary databases on blockchain for seamless evidence and case management; 39,000+ documents verified on the blockchain.
• Logistics Chain (Aushada): Tracks pharmaceutical supply chains in Karnataka from production to hospital delivery, ensuring drug authenticity and quality.
• TRAI’s Blockchain for Telecom: Uses Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for tracking SMS transmissions and combating spam; covers 1.13 lakh registered entities.
• RBI’s Digital Rupee Pilot: Demonstrates blockchain-based Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for traceable and real-time retail transactions.
• NSDL’s Blockchain Platform: Introduces Debenture Covenant Monitoring for capital markets, ensuring real-time compliance and investor protection.
• CoE for Blockchain Technology (NIC): Acts as a consulting and training hub for ministries to pilot and scale blockchain applications using open-source systems like Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum.

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