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Digitalisation and Development DND5 DIGITAL DIVIDE Presented by- Bhavi Jain (22BC860) Chintan Kamra (22BC611) Pre...

Digitalisation and Development DND5 DIGITAL DIVIDE Presented by- Bhavi Jain (22BC860) Chintan Kamra (22BC611) Presentation Outline Overview of Digital Divide 01 Causes of Digital Divide 02 Implications of the Digital Divide 03 Statistics and Data on the Digital 04 Divide in India Government Policies to Curb the 05 Digital Divide Case Study: BharatNet Project 06 Future Outlook 07  Overview The digital divide refers to the gap between demographics and regions with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) and those with limited or no access. This divide manifests in several forms, including disparities in internet access, digital literacy, and usage of digital technologies. In India, the digital divide is highly pronounced due to its vast geographical, economic, and social diversity. Approximately 70% of the Indian population has limited or no access to digital services, which disproportionately affects rural, low-income, and marginalized communities​ The urban-rural divide is particularly stark, with only 31% of rural residents having internet access compared to 67% in urban areas. The lack of access is further exacerbated by infrastructural limitations, such as inadequate broadband networks, unreliable electricity supply, and low digital literacy rates​  Overview of Digital Divide in Context Rural to India vs. Urban Digital Divide: Current Statistics: In 2023, rural India continued to lag significantly behind urban areas in terms of digital penetration. Internet penetration stands at only 31% in rural areas, while it is over 66% in urban areas. A report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) indicates that this gap has not narrowed substantially in the past few years due to persistent infrastructural and socio- economic challenges. Digital Literacy Disparities: Around 38% of Indian households are digitally literate, with significant disparities between rural and urban settings. Digital literacy initiatives, such as the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM), have had limited impact due to the scale of the challenge and the need for continuous updates in digital skills.  Causes of the Digital Divide in India: Socioeconomic Disparities: The digital divide is significantly shaped by socioeconomic status. High costs of digital devices like smartphones and computers remain a barrier for low-income households, despite India having some of the lowest mobile data prices globally. Only 2.7% of the poorest households have access to a computer, compared to 27.6% of the richest households. Similarly, only 8.9% of poor households have internet access compared to 50.5% among the wealthy​. Urban-Rural Disparities: Rural areas face more significant challenges in terms of digital infrastructure. In 2024, 39% of rural households had internet access compared to 76% of urban households globally. India, with a vast rural population, experiences a substantial urban-rural divide, where limited infrastructure, lack of electricity, and high costs of broadband networks in sparsely populated areas pose challenges to achieving universal connectivity​.  Digital Literacy and Infrastructure Limitations: The lack of digital literacy is Gender Gap: The digital divide also another critical issue. The Digital India exhibits a pronounced gender initiative and the National Digital Literacy dimension. In India, women are Mission aim to provide basic digital skills to significantly less likely to own mobile at least one person in every household. phones and access the internet However, the rapid pace of technological compared to men. Programs like the change means that these programs need National Digital Literacy Mission aim continuous updates to remain relevant. to close this gap, but cultural and Infrastructure problems, such as inadequate electricity supply and high socioeconomic barriers continue to costs of internet infrastructure, also affect limit women's digital participation, digital literacy and access​. especially in rural areas​.  Implications of Digital Divide Economic Inequality: Limited access to digital technologies can affect job opportunities, wages, and economic mobility. People without access to the internet or digital tools may struggle to find employment, enhance their skills, or participate in the digital economy. Educational Disparities: Students without reliable internet access or digital devices may fall behind in their education compared to their peers who have access to these resources. This can impact their academic performance and future career opportunities. Healthcare Access: Digital tools are increasingly used for telemedicine, health information, and managing health records. Those without access to these tools may have less access to healthcare services, leading to disparities in health outcomes. Social Isolation: Digital technologies facilitate social interaction and community engagement. Individuals without access may experience social isolation and miss out on opportunities to connect with others, participate in social activities, or access support networks. Civic Participation: Digital platforms are often used for voting, accessing government services, and engaging in civic activities. Lack of access can lead to reduced participation in democratic processes and limited access to essential services. Innovation and Growth: Businesses and economies that leverage digital technologies can experience growth and innovation. Regions or individuals without access may miss out on these opportunities, potentially widening economic and technological gaps. Addressing the digital divide requires efforts to improve infrastructure, provide affordable access, and ensure digital literacy and skills development for all individuals.  Government Policies to Curb the Digital Divide in India To curb the digital divide, the Government of India has implemented several specific policies and initiatives aimed at improving digital access, infrastructure, and literacy. Below are some of the key policies and their focus areas: Evidence from Research Papers: Digital India Initiative: The "Digital India" initiative is a comprehensive effort to increase digital access and literacy. It aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas, promote digital literacy, and develop a robust digital infrastructure. The initiative involves setting up Common Service Centers (CSCs) to deliver government services digitally across rural India National e-Governance Plan (NeGP): Launched in 2006, the National e-Governance Plan focuses on delivering government services electronically to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. By setting up information kiosks, known as Common Service Centers (CSCs), and other ICT infrastructure in rural areas, the government has enhanced access to digital services BharatNet Project (National Optical Fibre Network): The BharatNet Project aims to connect all of India's 250,000 gram panchayats (village councils) with high-speed internet using optical fiber. This project is part of the broader Digital India initiative and focuses on providing last-mile connectivity to rural areas to bridge the digital divide  National Broadband Mission: National Broadband Mission (NBM) was launched to fast-track the growth of digital communication infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. It BharatNet Project (National Optical Fibre Network): focuses on providing affordable and reliable broadband services to all citizens, bridging the The BharatNet Project aims to connect all of India's digital divide through investment in infrastructure 250,000 gram panchayats (village councils) with high- development (Kaushik et al., 2007). speed internet using optical fiber. This project is part of the broader Digital India initiative and focuses on Digital Village (DigiGaon): providing last-mile connectivity to rural areas to bridge the digital divide (Singh, 2010). The "Digital Village" initiative focuses on the holistic development of rural areas by providing access to Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan digital healthcare, education, and financial services. (PMGDISHA): It aims to transform villages by equipping them with ICT infrastructure, thereby empowering rural This policy initiative is designed to promote digital communities (Joseph & Nath, 2012). literacy in rural India. The objective is to make six crore (60 million) people in rural areas digitally literate by Conclusion providing training on using digital devices and India's government policies, such as the Digital India accessing the internet, thus bridging the digital Initiative, BharatNet Project, and PMGDISHA, are key in knowledge gap (Rao, 2005). addressing the digital divide. These policies focus on infrastructure, digital literacy, and service delivery to improve digital access and equity across diverse regions.  Case Study: BharatNet Project to Solve the Digital Divide in India Introduction to BharatNet The BharatNet project, formerly known as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all 250,000 Gram Panchayats (village councils) in the country. Launched in 2011, the project is a critical component of the "Digital India" campaign and is one of the largest rural connectivity projects in the world. The primary objective is to enable affordable, high- speed internet access across rural India, thereby bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Objectives of BharatNet Universal Broadband Connectivity: The primary goal is to provide high-speed broadband to all villages in India, connecting the rural population to the digital world. Digital Inclusion: Ensuring that rural citizens have access to government services, educational resources, health services, and financial inclusion through digital platforms. Empowering Local Communities: By providing digital infrastructure, the project aims to empower rural communities and create opportunities for socio-economic development. Supporting E-Governance and E-Services: Enabling rural citizens to access e-governance services, including online education, healthcare, banking, and more Implementation Phases The BharatNet project is being implemented in phases: Phase I (2011-2017): Focused on connecting 100,000 Gram Panchayats using underground optical fiber. Phase II (2017-2020): Aimed at covering the remaining 150,000 Gram Panchayats, using a mix of technologies including aerial fiber, radio, and satellite. Phase III (Upcoming): Plans to provide last-mile connectivity to all households in the Gram Panchayats, ensuring a seamless digital experience. Key Features and Strategies Optical Fibre Backbone: The project involves laying optical fiber cable (OFC) to create a robust digital backbone across rural India. Public-Private Partnership (PPP): BharatNet is leveraging the expertise of private players for faster and more efficient implementation. Technology Integration: The project integrates multiple technologies (fiber, satellite, and wireless) to ensure comprehensive coverage and reliability. Focus on Digital Literacy: Complementary programs like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aim to educate citizens on using digital platforms effectively. Challenges in Implementation Geographical Barriers: India's diverse topography poses significant challenges for laying fiber optic cables in remote areas. Coordination Among Stakeholders: The involvement of multiple agencies and departments often leads to delays in decision-making and execution. Maintenance and Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure and services in rural areas requires continuous investment and coordination. Digital Literacy: A significant percentage of the rural population lacks digital literacy, which needs to be addressed to fully realize the benefits of digital connectivity. Impact and Outcomes Enhanced Internet Penetration: BharatNet has significantly increased internet penetration in rural areas, bringing millions of rural citizens online. Boost to E-Governance and E-Commerce: Rural citizens now have better access to government services, online banking, and marketplaces, enhancing economic participation. Educational and Health Benefits: The project facilitates digital learning platforms and telemedicine services, improving educational and healthcare outcomes in rural regions. Empowerment of Local Communities: The enhanced connectivity is driving local entrepreneurship, job creation, and overall socio-economic development in rural areas.  Need for Comprehensive Digital Inclusion Policies For India to effectively address the digital divide, comprehensive policies that integrate state and community experiences into a broader ICT framework are required. Bridging the digital gap involves not only improving physical access to ICT but also addressing socio-economic inequalities, enhancing digital literacy, and ensuring affordable access for all segments of society Focus on Rural Digitalization and Organizational Innovations: A significant focus should be on rural digitalization and creating low-cost internet access models. Rural areas lag significantly behind urban counterparts in terms of internet penetration and ICT usage. Innovative models, such as community-based digital centers, can provide affordable and sustainable solutions to improve digital inclusion in these regions.  The Role of Infrastructure and Policy Reforms: Future efforts to bridge the digital divide n India must focus on infrastructural development and policy reforms. Institutional stability, regulatory quality, and improvements in telecommunication infrastructure are essential factors influencing the level of digital development. Policies that promote equitable access, competitive telecom markets, and investments in digital infrastructure are crucial for reducing the divide Integration of ICT in Socio-Economic Development Strategies: The future outlook of the digital divide in India is closely tied to how well ICT is integrated into broader socio-economic development strategies. Digital tools must be used not only for access but for enhancing digital literacy, promoting e-governance, and providing online services in education, healthcare, and financial inclusion  Policy Improvements Needed: Gender-Specific Digital Literacy Programs: Focused efforts to empower women and marginalized groups through targeted digital literacy programs are crucial. This involves not only providing access but also training to use digital tools effectively. Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations between government and private sectors can enhance infrastructure development and service delivery. PPPs can drive innovation, reduce costs, and extend reach to underserved areas. Focus on Sustainable Digital Inclusion: Affordability and Accessibility: Ensuring that digital services are affordable and accessible to all sections of society is vital. Policies should encourage low-cost internet plans, subsidized devices, and support local content creation to make digital platforms more inclusive. Continuous Updates and Reforms: The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, necessitating continuous policy reviews and updates. Regular feedback from communities and adaptive strategies are needed to address emerging challenges  Future Outlook of the Digital Divide in India The digital divide in India represents the gap between those who have access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and those who do not, leading to disparities in economic, educational, and social opportunities. The future of the digital divide in India depends on various factors, including government initiatives, technological advancements, infrastructure development, and digital literacy programs. Evidence from Research Papers: Continued Efforts and Positive Outlook Amidst COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of digital connectivity and accelerated efforts to bridge the digital divide. During the pandemic, there was an increase in internet access in rural areas, reducing the gap in terms of digital access. This trend suggests a positive outlook as digital adoption continues to grow in rural areas, driven by necessity and government initiatives to improve ICT infrastructure THANK YOU!