Authors: Prakriti Gupta, Shehrebanu Pipewala, Sneha Sarraju, K.P. Manoranjan

Abstract

This study examines the perpetuation of the digital divide in India despite the continuous efforts of the government to fix it. Using qualitative research methods and a review of existing literature, it is found that the digital divide goes beyond the access of having devices or internet and is deeply linked with socioeconomic inequalities, educational disparities, and other forms of social exclusion. The Marxian and Weberian schools of thought throw light on how class, status and power influence digital access and power. Through a close evaluation of case studies and current government initiatives, this paper highlights how current policies prioritise connectivity over digital inclusion. This study concludes that bridging the digital divide in India requires a peoplecentric approach that penetrates beyond developing connectivity and Infrastructure and advocates for a more sustainable digital Inclusion that can only be achieved by focusing on building digital literacy, affordability, capability, and a meaningful skill set amongst Individuals, which enables them to use the existing resources optimally.

Index Terms– Digital Divide, India, Urban, Rural, Gendered differences, Digital divide and literacy rate