DIGITAL ACCESS & SKILLS IN INDIA

Context : 

The Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) conducted by the NSSO (2022–23) provides the first extensive insight into digital access and skills in India, uncovering critical socio-economic and regional divides in internet usage and digital capability.

Key Findings

Broadband Penetration:

• National average: 76.3% households have broadband.
• Urban: 86.5%; Rural: 71.2%.
• High penetration in Delhi, Goa, Mizoram, etc.; lower in Andhra Pradesh (66.5%), Odisha (65.3%).

Caste-Based Digital Divide:

• General: 84.1%, OBC: 77.5%, SC: 69.1%, ST: 64.8%.

Income Disparity:

• Bottom 10% MPCE: 71.6% households without broadband.
• Top 10% MPCE: only 1.9% without broadband.

Mobile Usage Gaps:

• Mobile/phone access: ~94% in rural, ~97% in urban households.
• But exclusive mobile use (calls/internet) by women remains low, esp. in rural SC/ST/OBC households.

Technology Use:

• 4G use: Just over 50% in rural areas; >70% in urban areas.
• 5G use: Negligible; 40.4% still use tech older than 4G.

Digital Skills Proficiency (15+ age group):

• Internet usage: Rural 53.6%, Urban 74%.
• Emailing: Rural 20%, Urban 40%.
• Online banking: Only 37.8% nationally.
• Spreadsheet skills (e.g., arithmetic): Even lower.

Key Issues & Implications

• Digital Divide is not just urban–rural but intersects with caste, gender, and income.
• The gender gap in mobile use is significant, especially among rural women
• Low digital literacy restricts access to e-governance, telemedicine, digital banking, and education—threatening to undermine inclusive development.
• The SDG 4 targets (equitable education and digital skills) remain distant unless targeted interventions are made.
• With Digital India aiming for internet as a public utility, mere infrastructure rollout without skill-building won’t suffice.

Way Forward

• Subsidise broadband access for bottom deciles (like rural electrification model).
• Expand digital literacy missions with a focus on SC/ST/OBC and rural women.
• Introduce ICT curriculum at the school level across rural and semi-urban areas.
• Promote public WiFi and digital hubs in Gram Panchayats.
• Targeted schemes for smartphone ownership, especially for girls and women in deprived households.
• Revise policies like PMGDISHA to make them demand-driven and outcome-linked.

UPSC Relevance:

GS1: Society – Caste and gender-based digital exclusion.

GS2: Governance – Digital literacy as a public policy imperative.

GS3: Infrastructure & Inclusive Growth – Digital infrastructure as an enabler for equitable development.

UPSC Mains Question (GS2/GS3):

Q. Despite significant growth in internet access, India’s digital divide continues to be shaped by caste, gender, and income. Examine the findings of the CAMS 2022–23 survey and suggest policy measures to ensure equitable digital empowerment.