印度国际经济关系研究委员会-为印度农村建设包容性数字社会（英）-2021.11-60页_4mb

Summary: Building an Inclusive Digital Society for Rural India

Core Content

This report, authored by Rajat Kathuria, Mansi Kedia, Abhishek Raj, Richa Sekhani, and Srishti Sinha, explores the concept of digital inclusion in rural India and evaluates the current state of digital infrastructure and adoption across various states and union territories (UTs). It outlines a framework for measuring digital inclusion, focusing on Access, Adoption, and Application, and uses this to assess the digital maturity of rural areas. The report also presents case studies and policy recommendations aimed at improving the digital ecosystem in rural India.

Main Focus and Objectives

The primary objective of the report is to build an inclusive digital society in rural India by addressing the challenges of digital access, literacy, and application. The authors argue that while the government has initiated several programs such as Bharat Net, PM-WANI, and PMGDISHA, the implementation and effectiveness of these initiatives vary significantly across states. The report emphasizes the need for multistakeholder engagement, including the private sector, to ensure the sustainable development of digital infrastructure and services in rural areas.

Framework for Measuring Digital Inclusion

The report adopts a three-tier framework for measuring digital inclusion:

• Access: Measures the availability and affordability of digital infrastructure such as broadband, Wi-Fi hotspots, and mobile connectivity.
• Adoption: Focuses on the level of digital literacy and the relevance of digital services to the needs of rural communities.
• Application: Evaluates the use of digital technologies in sectors such as education, health, governance, and economic activities.

These categories are depicted as interdependent growth gears essential for the development of a digitally inclusive society. The framework is adapted from the Information Policy and Access Centre (IPAC) at the University of Maryland.

Key Findings

• Digital Inclusion Gaps: The report highlights significant disparities in digital inclusion across states and UTs. States like Chandigarh, Haryana, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Kerala, and Gujarat have shown better outcomes, while Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Manipur lag behind.
• Impact of Population and Area: The proportion of the rural population and the area of rural inhabitation are key factors influencing digital inclusion outcomes.
• Economic Correlation: States with higher per capita income and better infrastructure have higher levels of ICT penetration in rural areas.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Despite policy efforts, broadband connectivity to public schools and hospitals remains poor in most states. CSC connections to Gram Panchayats (GPs) are relatively better.
• Role of the Private Sector: The private sector plays a crucial role in improving digital inclusion through last-mile connectivity, digital literacy programs, and collaboration with existing CSCs. Examples include Sterlite Technologies, HFCL, and Bluetown.
• E-Governance and Digital Services: Several states have implemented e-governance services tailored to their citizens’ needs. PMGDISHA has achieved above-average coverage in most states, but more collaboration is needed to improve outcomes.

Policy Recommendations

The report provides general recommendations to enhance digital inclusion in rural India:

1. Access

• Improve last-mile connectivity through the use of satellite broadband and Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC).
• Ensure affordability and availability of broadband services.
• Focus on network utilisation and monetisation to support sustainable development.
• Review RoW policies, spectrum assignment, and technology standardisation to accelerate network roll-out.
• Improve electricity connections to support the deployment and operation of digital infrastructure.

2. Adoption

• Address regional and gender divides in digital adoption.
• Promote local contextualisation of initiatives to drive participation, awareness, and trust.
• Encourage digital literacy programs that are tailored to the needs of rural communities.
• Enhance collaboration between central, state, and local governments.
• Support philanthropic and private sector initiatives to improve digital adoption.

3. Application

• Develop digital applications that are relevant to rural communities and support economic and social development.
• Promote the use of digital technologies in governance, education, health, and agriculture.
• Encourage the integration of digital services into the existing infrastructure of rural areas.

Conclusion

The report concludes that digital inclusion is not merely about infrastructure, but also about literacy, relevance, and application of digital technologies. While progress has been made, especially in some states, comprehensive and inclusive policies are needed to ensure that all rural communities benefit from the digital revolution. Efficient implementation, multistakeholder engagement, and periodic impact assessments are crucial to the success of these initiatives.

Key Information

• Digital Inclusion Definition: The ability of individuals and communities to access and use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their socio-economic status.
• Digital Exclusion: Unequal access and capacity to use ICTs that are essential for full participation in society.
• Digital Inclusion Framework: Based on Access, Adoption, and Application, adapted from the University of Maryland’s IPAC.
• Key Indicators: 15 indicators were used to measure digital inclusion, including service-ready GPs, Wi-Fi hotspots, rural teledensity, internet penetration, digital literacy, and e-governance scores.
• Private Sector Role: The private sector can complement government efforts through non-profit initiatives, collaboration with CSCs, and innovative technologies.
• Digital Divide: The urban-rural divide in internet access and use remains significant, with urban areas having 105.06 internet subscribers per 100 population compared to 37.74 in rural areas (as per TRAI PIR Reports 2015-2021).

Appendix

• The report includes case studies from Assam, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
• Figure ES1 and Figure ES2 provide a visual representation of the framework for measuring digital inclusion and state-wise performance.
• Figure ES3 illustrates policy recommendations for improving digital inclusion in rural India.

References

• Qiang et al. (2009) – Study on the economic impacts of ICTs including broadband.
• TRAI PIR Reports (2015-2021) – Data on internet penetration and subscribers.
• ICRIER – Research and policy analysis on digital inclusion and economic growth.

Authors and Sponsors

• Authors: Rajat Kathuria, Mansi Kedia, Abhishek Raj, Richa Sekhani, Srishti Sinha.
• Sponsor: Broadband India Forum (BIF).
• Supporters: Mr. T V Ramachandran, Mr. Rajat Mukarji, Mr. Arun Mukarji, and BIF members.
• Collaborators: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), IT Department officials from various states, Sterlite Technologies, HFCL, Bluetown, and Digital Infrastructure Providers Association.

Final Note

The authors stress the importance of periodic impact assessments, policy discipline, and multistakeholder collaboration to ensure the success and sustainability of digital inclusion initiatives in rural India.