Role of ICT in Development and related Issues
Definition:
- Information and communication technologies (ICT) is defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share, or exchange information.
Role of ICT in the Development of India
- Economic Growth
- Increased productivity and efficiency in businesses through automation and improved communication systems.
- Example: The Indian IT and BPO sector, especially companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, has contributed significantly to India’s GDP and employment, becoming a global leader in software services.
- Education
- Access to online learning platforms allows students from different socio-economic backgrounds to gain access to quality education.
- Example: SWAYAM and Diksha platforms offer free online courses, while the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) provides educational resources to students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Healthcare
- Telemedicine and health information systems help provide medical services in remote areas, reducing the burden on urban healthcare systems.
- Example: The eSanjeevani platform enabled telemedicine consultations during the pandemic, connecting doctors with patients in rural areas without physical visits.
- Governance and Public Services (E-Governance)
- Improved access to government services through digital platforms, enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
- Example: Aadhaar, India’s biometric identity system, has been crucial in delivering direct benefit transfers (DBT), improving the efficiency of welfare schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
- Agriculture
- Digital platforms for market access and advisory services help farmers improve their productivity and income.
- Example: eNAM (National Agriculture Market), an online trading platform for agricultural products, helps farmers in India sell their produce at better prices by directly connecting them to buyers.
- Social Development and Inclusion
- ICT helps bridge social inequalities by providing marginalized communities with access to digital services.
- Example: The Digital India initiative aims to provide affordable internet access to rural areas, empowering people with better access to services like healthcare, banking, and education.
Issues in the Role of ICT in Development of India
- Digital Divide
- The unequal distribution of ICT infrastructure creates a gap between urban and rural areas, limiting access to digital tools and services.
- Example: Although urban India has high-speed internet access, rural areas still struggle with poor network connectivity, limiting the reach of digital services like e-Governance and online education.
- Lack of Digital Literacy
- Many citizens, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, lack the digital skills required to effectively use ICT tools.
- Example: Despite the rollout of platforms like Aadhaar, many in rural India are not equipped to use online portals for government services due to low digital literacy.
- Infrastructure Gaps
- Poor internet connectivity and inconsistent power supply in rural areas hamper the use of ICT for development.
- Example: In states like Bihar and Odisha, internet penetration is much lower than the national average, affecting the implementation of ICT-based services like e-health and e-education.
- Cybersecurity Risks
- With increasing digitization comes the risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and privacy violations.
- Example: The Aadhaar data breach controversy raised concerns over data privacy, leading to a Supreme Court ruling on the right to privacy in India. The need for stronger data protection laws is still debated.
- High Costs of Access
- The cost of internet access and digital devices can be prohibitive for economically weaker sections.
- Example: Despite efforts like BharatNet, providing affordable internet access to rural areas remains a challenge, as many families cannot afford smartphones or reliable internet connections.
- Cultural and Social Barriers
- In some parts of India, social norms and gender biases restrict access to ICT for women and marginalized groups.
- Example: In states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, women’s access to mobile phones and the internet is often restricted by patriarchal norms, limiting their participation in digital services and opportunities.
- Policy and Regulatory Challenges
- Inconsistent policies and regulatory bottlenecks hinder the rapid adoption of ICT in various sectors.
- Example: The rollout of 5G services in India has been delayed due to spectrum allocation issues and regulatory challenges, slowing down advancements in high-speed internet services.
- Inadequate Integration with Other Sectors
- ICT initiatives often lack proper integration with other sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture, reducing their overall impact.
- Example: The National Health Stack, part of India’s Digital Health Mission, is still under development and not fully integrated with existing healthcare infrastructure, limiting its reach.