Gurushala

Research & Policy

Digital Divide

Many children are left out in the process of learning due to the digital divide.

How can we define digital divide?

The digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology (ICT), and those don't have or have restricted access.

Simply we can say there are have's and have not's categories of children. Have's are the ones who have all the necessary devices and net connection and can avail online medium of learning. Have not's are the ones who don't have all the necessities required for online learning. Due to this we are leaving a major section of children behind.

It is a major problem in rural India where if children are left behind in studies then they are compelled for earning money via various means. Especially, for girls the situation is more worse as they are compelled for early marriage. The government is trying its best to bridge this divide. Many NGO's and corporate sector is also helping this process.

Initiatives to bridge the digital divide in India -

1. National Education Policy 2020 - It aims at making "India a global knowledge superpower" by introducing several changes in the education system with a special emphasis on digital education.

2. Internet Saathi program - The aim of the project is to facilitate digital literacy among Indian women.

3. Optical fibre network - A project aimed to ensure broadband connectivity to over two lakh gram panchayats in India.

4. On Air Shiksha Vani - E- pathshala radio broadcasting is being used for children in remote areas where internet connectivity is not possible.

5. E - Pathshala - For rural and urban students and providing them with study materials.

Inclusive growth is necessary and growth should reach the last student of the last village.

" SABKA SAATH, SABKA VIKAS"

About the author

Arpita Singh has completed an M.tech in Electrical from Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. She has a keen interest in writing and expressing her thoughts. She is regular in writing blogs on Instagram and YourQuote. Any views expressed are personal.

Comments