India@75, Looking at 100: Preparing for a digital future

Digital literacy initiatives are being strengthened for various target groups to skill, upskill and reskill users through training, internships and apprenticeship programmes. (Express File Photo) With the second largest online market in the world, cheapest data rates, and the fastest growing fintech landscape, India is in the midst of a massive digital transformation. This is the good news. But not the whole story. India’s digital acceleration has also created the potential for new divides. For instance, inequitable access to technology has exacerbated the divide in the ability to work from home, as well as in learning outcomes for children during the pandemic. Recent surveys have pointed out the systemic lacunae with Aadhaar-based digitisation of social security programmes — biometric mismatches or non-possession of Aadhaar can result in denial of benefits. Poor access to smart devices and internet services can worsen inequalities in income and opportunities. The State of India’s Digital Economy Report had highlighted the role of missing analogue foundations that support and drive the digital economy. This includes physical and social infrastructure. For instance, poor power supply impacts the quality of internet access. Usage gap on the other hand, is driven by poor levels of literacy, affordability and […]

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