India’s contemporary society is grappling with the challenges imposed by the digital divide, as presented by the latest National Statistical Organisation (NSO) survey. This eminent report, which became a part of the NSO’s 75th round of Sample Survey, reveals worrying disparities in digital access across States, urban and rural areas, and different income groups. The significance of these findings is underscored by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that necessitated the closure of schools for six months, thereby creating varied impacts on the population depending on their access to digital resources.
Overall Access to Technology and Internet
Shockingly, only one in ten households in India have access to a computer – be it a desktop, laptop, or tablet. The reach of the internet is somewhat better but not impressive; around 25% of all homes possess internet facilities accessed through either a fixed or mobile network.
Rural-Urban Divide in Digital Accessibility
A deeply-rooted rural-urban divide is prevalent when assessing internet accessibility. While 42% of city dwellers avail internet facilities, only 15% of homes in rural India are connected to the world wide web.
Gap Between Access and Utilization
Access to the internet doesn’t necessarily translate into its efficient utilization. Statistics reveal that merely 20% of Indians older than five years boast of basic digital literacy. Furthermore, the critical age group of 15 to 29, covering high school and college students along with young parents, shows a disappointing 40% digital literacy rate.
Regional Disparities in Digital Access
In comparison to other states, India’s national capital boasts the highest internet access, with 55% of homes equipped with internet facilities. Other than Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala are the only states where more than half of the households have internet. Conversely, Odisha lags far behind with only one in ten homes having internet.
Disparity Rooted in Economic Status
According to the NSO, the biggest contributing factor to this divide is economic status. Even within a state like Odisha, 63% of homes in the top urban quintile enjoy internet facilities, whereas only a meager 2.4% in the poorest quintile of rural Odisha have the same.
Intra-state Inequality in Digital Access
Intra-state analysis uncovers that Kerala showcases the least inequality, with more than 39% of rural homes in the poorest category having internet. However, Assam exhibits stark inequality: while almost 80% of the richest urban homes have internet access, a whopping 94% in the poorest rural homes are bereft of it.
Government Initiatives to Bridge the Gap
The government has launched several initiatives to curb this divide. It has directed State Education Departments to map the online access of all their students to efficiently plan curriculum. Additionally, efforts like DIKSHA Platform and Swayam Prabha TV Channel have been initiated to aid those without internet access. The National Education Policy, 2020 aims to lay a special emphasis on digital education.
Suggested Solutions
Experts suggest several measures to curtail this issue. Making access to technology universal in the public education system and developing quality e-content in local languages are seen as major steps. Furthermore, the scope of Right to Education should be expanded to cover online education, emphasizing its importance in today’s age.
Way Forward
To bridge the digital divide, it is imperative to ensure digital literacy among the masses, primarily in rural areas. As the implications of school closures are manifold, concerted efforts from government and private entities can help prevent an unprecedented social disaster.