Impact of Digital Divide on Developing Countries with Special Reference to India

Abstract

Technological change is major contributor to the growth and development of the information society. Unequal access to information and communication technologies leads to digital divide and effects the growth and development of the society by powering some people who have availability of information and depriving others who do not have access to information. The paper portrays the challenges of digital divide and describes the role of libraries in reducing the digital divide. It mentions the role of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in providing the Internet access in public libraries of developing countries. It describes the benefits of project Infothela initiated by IIT Kanpur, IIT-Webel software developed by IIT Kharagpur and contributions of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to he1p and enable the disadvantaged people in India to access the information resources. It also describes the project Grameen Sanchar Sewak launched by the Prime Minister of India to provide telecom services to rural people. Highlights some strategies required to be followed by developing countries to lessen the impact of digital divide on their societies.