Why in the News?

India’s digital revolution, with 1.18 billion mobile connections and 700 million Internet users, faces challenges from rising tech-facilitated gender-based violence. In response, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the ‘Ab Koi Bahana Nahi‘ campaign.

How does the digital divide exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities?

• Urban-Rural Disparities: There is a stark contrast in digital access between urban and rural areas. Urban regions enjoy better connectivity and higher internet speeds, while rural areas lag, limiting their ability to participate in the digital economy and access essential services.
• Gender Inequality: The digital gender divide remains pronounced, with fewer women than men having access to digital technologies. This disparity restricts women’s economic and educational opportunities, reinforcing existing societal inequalities.
• Economic Inequality: The lack of access to technology disproportionately affects lower-income groups, preventing them from improving their quality of life. Those without digital access are unable to compete in an increasingly online job market, leading to widening economic disparities.

What are the implications of digital inequality for education and unemployment opportunities?

• Educational Access: Students in areas with limited digital infrastructure struggle to access educational resources and online learning platforms. This gap has been particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became essential.
• Skill Development: The inability to access technology hampers the development of essential digital skills among students and job seekers. As many jobs now require digital literacy, those lacking these skills face higher unemployment rates.
• Impact on Employment: Many job opportunities today require proficiency in technology. The lack of digital skills among a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas, limits their employability and economic advancement.

Why is ensuring women’s safety online not just a moral obligation, but also a crucial pillar for India’s progress?

• Protection of Rights and Dignity: Women’s safety online upholds their fundamental rights, enabling them to participate fully in society without fear of harassment, fostering freedom of expression and access to information.
• Economic Growth: Ensuring online safety for women can boost global GDP by $18 billion, encouraging their participation in the digital economy, and leading to greater innovation and economic growth.
• Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Increased cyber-crimes against women, including harassment and image abuse, necessitate stronger legal protections and effective enforcement to combat online gender-based violence (OGBV).
• Social Stability and Cohesion: A culture of safety online for women promotes social stability and cohesion by breaking cycles of violence, with men and boys playing a critical role as allies in fostering respectful societies.

What strategies can be implemented to bridge the digital divide? (Way forward)

• Infrastructure Investment: Expanding broadband infrastructure in rural areas is crucial for ensuring equitable internet access. Government initiatives should focus on enhancing connectivity and making devices affordable.
• Digital Literacy Programs: Implementing widespread digital literacy initiatives can empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate online spaces safely and effectively. Targeted programs for women and marginalized groups are essential for inclusivity.
• Integrating Technology into Education: Schools should incorporate technology training into their curriculums to equip students with the necessary skills for future employment. Community workshops can also help educate adults about using digital tools effectively.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with tech companies can enhance resource allocation and implementation efficiencies in bridging the digital divide. This partnership can also lead to the development of user-friendly platforms that promote safe online practices.
• Nationwide Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns aimed at changing societal attitudes towards technology use can encourage broader acceptance and participation among all demographics, particularly among women and marginalized communities.

Mains PYQ:

Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now