Digital Divide | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

The digital divide refers to the unequal distribution of access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies among distinct groups, often based on social, geographical, or geopolitical criteria. In India, this divide has significant implications for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

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Impacts of the Digital Divide

Limited Smartphone and Internet Access

• In the Lokniti-CSDS National Election Study 2019, only 1 in every 3 individuals used smartphones, with approximately 90% of them having internet access.
• A mere 16% of households had access to a computer or laptop, and only 10% had an internet connection at home.

Rural Internet Subscription Rate:

• According to the Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report, only 34.60% of the rural population subscribes to the internet.
• This conflicts with the need for online registration on platforms like CoWin for vaccination.

Entry Barriers:

• CoWin's mandatory online registration poses a significant entry barrier, particularly for users in rural areas.
• The platform primarily offers an English-only interface, further limiting accessibility.

Technical Rationing:

• Without internet access and knowledge of the CoWin portal, a significant portion of India's rural population faces discrimination.
• Technical rationing is inadvertently implemented based on broadband connectivity and digital literacy.

Urban Bias:

• Mandatory online registration favors urban centers due to higher broadband access, while rural tele-density remains below 60%.
• States with low tele-density, such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, are disproportionately affected.

Challenges for Less Tech-Savvy Populations:

• Individuals with limited access and familiarity with technology, including smartphones and computers, face greater difficulties.

Exclusion of Poor and Rural Areas:

• Online registration excludes nearly half of India's population, primarily those in poor and rural areas lacking smartphones or internet access.

Solutions

Infrastructure:

• Promote indigenous ICT development under the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan to improve technology accessibility.

Digital Literacy:

• Introduce digital literacy at the primary school level in all government schools and provide advanced content in higher classes and colleges through the National Digital Literacy Mission.

Role of Regulators:

• Reform licensing, taxation, and spectrum allocation norms to minimize entry barriers.
• Establish a credible system to track call drops, weak signals, and outages to ensure telecom service quality and reliability.

Cyber Security:

• Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity framework for data security, safe digital transactions, and complaint redressal under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Telecom Ombudsman:

• Set up a telecom ombudsman for the redressal of grievances in the telecom sector.

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Conclusion

Efforts to address the digital divide are crucial in India's COVID-19 vaccination drive. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines is not only essential for India's population but also for its role as a leading vaccine producer globally. By tackling the challenges associated with digital inclusion, India can efficiently reach millions of people in the shortest time possible and contribute to global vaccination efforts.