8th Economics & Finance Conference, London

DIGITAL DIVIDE AMONG THE INDIAN HOUSEHOLDS: EXTENT AND CORRELATES

CHAVI ASRANI, ANKUSH AGARWAL

Abstract:

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) certainly powers development, and holds the potential to deliver more inclusive and egalitarian growth. Adoption of ICTs in India has been rapid since 2000, however the inclusion of rural sector has lacked behind the urban sector. Also, there are massive digital disparities across the Indian states. To appropriate the benefits of ICT, access and competence in use of ICTs is crucial. Further, research also suggests that if the current digital/ICTs disparities are not addressed, the existing socio-economic disparities are prone to be magnified. For using and benefiting from the cutting edge technology, access to the required digital device is critical. The study provides an assessment of correlates of diffusion of ICT access in India. As observed factors such as income, household demographics, social group of the household, education level, are correlated with the differences in possession of digital devices. The findings of the study would enable (ICT) would enable policy makers; manufacturers of digital devices and telecom operators to strategies better to narrow the digital gap and expand their consumer base better respectively.

Keywords: ICT adoption; India; digital divide;telecommunication; mobile; computer

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