A Paradigm Shift from Digital Divide to Digital Inclusiveness

The significance of the concept of social integration and inclusion has been increasingly recognized in recent years. The ongoing global financial and economic crisis, especially, by threatening the progress achieved so far in social development and further aggravating social tensions in many societies, has made a growing number of policymakers aware of the importance of social integration and inclusion.

The society we live in today is dominated by technology. The digital divide or digital exclusion is related to the spread of information and communication technology (ICT) and the gaps that exist between a variety of groups or strata in society. The concept of the digital divide has changed over time. In the beginning, it basically referred to connectivity problems (gap in access to use of ICTs). Later, it began to introduce the concern for the development of capacities and skills required to use ICTs (capacity-building and education), and finally, there is also reference to the use of integrated resources in the technology.

Digital inclusion is defined in this study as the use of technology, either directly or indirectly, to improve the lives and life chances of disadvantaged people and the places in which they live. It is broader than just simple access to the internet and covers many different forms of technology and activity. But the common focus is on delivering positive social outcomes. Innovative use of ICT can lead to better access to education, to employment, to health and to a socially fulfilling life.

This paper is going to explore about the concepts Digital Divide&Digital Inclusiveness. This paper is also analyzing the gap elements of digital divide. Further, there is an explanation on few initiatives taken by Govt. of India to create digital inclusiveness.