Why in news?
An official survey released in July 2025 examined how Indians access and use digital technologies. It revealed that while mobile ownership is nearly universal, significant disparities in digital skills and productive usage persist.
What is the digital divide?
- The digital divide refers to gaps between people in access to devices and the internet, in the ability to use those technologies effectively, and in the benefits derived from them.
- It encompasses differences by gender, geography, income and education.
Key findings of the survey
- High access: Around 97 percent of 15–29‑year‑olds reported owning a mobile phone. Internet usage among women reached over 90 percent.
- Mobile dominance: Almost all internet users rely on smartphones rather than computers. In rural areas only 3 percent use desktops or laptops.
- Gender progress: The gap in internet usage between men and women has narrowed markedly. Women now make up nearly half of all Indian internet users.
First‑generation digital reforms
- Infrastructure build‑out: Programmes such as BharatNet expanded fibre connections to over 200,000 village panchayats.
- Digital literacy: Initiatives like PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and National Digital Literacy Mission trained millions in basic digital skills.
- Payments revolution: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and AePS (Aadhaar‑enabled Payment System) enabled instant, low‑cost digital payments.
Shortcomings and gaps
- Productive use gap: Many users primarily engage in social media and entertainment. Few use digital tools for education, agriculture, health or business.
- Skill deficit: Advanced digital skills such as coding, data analysis and cybersecurity remain scarce. Women and rural youth often depend on male relatives for online transactions.
- Financial literacy: A large portion of users lack understanding of digital financial services, making them vulnerable to fraud and limiting uptake of insurance or credit products.
- Last‑mile connectivity: Remote villages still face poor connectivity and unreliable electricity, hindering internet access.
What needs to change
- Move from basic access to empowerment by investing in high‑speed broadband, cloud infrastructure and localised content.
- Design women‑centric digital programmes that build confidence, ensure privacy and offer safe spaces for learning.
- Strengthen digital skills training in schools and skill‑development schemes, with emphasis on practical applications.
- Promote financial literacy and cybersecurity awareness through mass campaigns and community‑based workshops.