It describes the difference between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet and also have the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies against those who do not. The digital divide usually exists between those living in rural and urban areas, between the educated and uneducated, between developing and industrially developed countries.
In the present approach, government services are delivered through the Internet ignoring the fact that extreme digital divide exists today among the citizens . Further, the Internet is usually accessed through computers (desktop or note book), which are quite expensive. In addition, one needs an Internet connection, telephone or broadband connections, and electricity to access the Internet. Language is another barrier in using the Internet, as almost 90 percent of the websites are in English
Hence, digital divide are being reduced by advent of cheap tablets and mobile phones which can access internet and with introduction of web sites in local language, an increased number of citizens are able to use them.
Factors for digital divide
- Electricity – Electricity is one of the major reasons for the digital divide because IT equipments are accessible only with the help of electricity. Without electricity one cannot think to use IT tools.
- IT penetration – People cannot use IT facilities due to security reasons. One cannot trust as hackers can hack important piece of information any time and anywhere.
- Internet industry – Internet industry is a reason for the digital divide as people who are not using the internet, are not conscious of latest news, updates, etc.
- Lack of general awareness of new technologies in IT sector is one of the hurdles towards the digital divide.
- As large people come under below a poverty line (BPL). They are unable to use ICT due to their low wages.
- People are not comfortable to adapt new technology easily when it comes.
- Language is one of the major barriers of the digital divide because the population of India is multilingual. On the internet, the large amount of data is in English language.
Steps to reduce the digital divide
- Education – Education is the major contribution of government towards reduction in digital partitioning. Provide education to all citizens to enable IT and its services. Education is one area where the digital divide is prominent. Bridging through Education is one of the best ways. There are many numbers of government school and colleges in India which introduces computers. The Government should encourage the use of Information Technology in almost all educational institutions by way of giving special grants every year to enable them to put up the necessary infrastructure.
- Financial support – Government of India should also give financial support on the internet connecting devices like the Sakshat and Aakash tablet to the vulnerable and needy citizens.
