Rural India in the Digital Age

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are widely acknowledged as an important resource in all the aspects of socio-economic development, and this is especially articulated in national policies. In developing countries, this perspective incorporates ICTs into the development agenda because of their relevance in transforming human activities and in presenting new opportunities for economic growth. ICTs have very resounding presence in present day and age but one can not ignore the digital divide and social exclusion in today’s context. A considerable number of marginalized groups remain unreached by the benefits ICTs are supposed to offer. The vision of a so-called “information society for all” as stated in both developed and developing countries‘ ICT policy documents today does not apparently include “all”. This article examines the patterns of ICT use and information flow perceived in India, especially in the rural areas where the impact of ICTs is still very limited, despite its penetration into every corner of modern life.