THE PERILS OF INTERNET DISPARITY

THE PERILS OF INTERNET DISPARITY

 

By Sachin S Solanki

 

At times when we remain indulged in a breast-beating celebration of our technological feats, there is a world that is still struggling to keep pace with the developments of the present. And nothing explains this contrast more than the internet and digital divide in today’s world. On one hand, where efforts are being made to launch a string of satellites, rovers and orbiters in space to our celestial neighbors, it is shockingly disappointing when one thinks of the many digital blind spots that exist amongst us, right here on the Earth.

 The data speaks

 As per the India Inequality Report 2022, published by OXFAM India, there is a drastic gap between rural and urban India in the usage of the Internet. While the urban areas are readily moving ahead, internet usage in rural areas remains woefully inadequate at around 31%. This wide gulf reflects poorly in other domains like education and health.

In the field of education, the report highlights that only a meagre 9% of the students had an internet connection. This negatively influences students’ accessibility to webinars and vital information that may act as a guiding light towards better choice-making. The existence of such rifts also creates deep disparities in learning and educational outcomes, thereby leading to marginal or no productivity. At HEEALS, we have always engaged in carrying service delivery to the last mile where it is most needed. As part of our Digital Learning Programme, we have previously engaged in providing students with digital devices and classes on usage of the internet to further the engagement around digital connectivity and its many advantages.

We believe that lack of connectivity and accessibility also has ramifications in the healthcare sector. People of all age groups lose out on the digital health infrastructure and essential resources due to digital isolation. To make matters worse, the Internet in India Report 2022 highlights not only a regional digital divide between states but also between genders and communities, thereby creating unbridgeable silos and blind spots.

Additionaly, as part of our menstrual hygiene campaign at HEEALS, we found a disappointing lack of dialogue in rural societies around menstrual hygiene and sanitation. This has a disproportionate impact as it causes not only further marginalisation of women and other menstruating people but also tampers their growth and potential. However, with the help of the internet, it is possible and perhaps badly needed to extend the dialogue around such critical issues, whereby people from different geographies can collaborate in the creation of safe spaces likevirtual help desks or personalized guidance sessions.

At an individual level, the Internet is a sine qua non for realizing one’s potential and identity. People and groups who are more vulnerable to social injustices and discrimination often lack valuable anchor points to make meaningful life choices and connections. And in the light of lack of resources and connectivity, their struggle gets exacerbated manifold, leading to rise of increase in cases of poor mental health and suicide. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)’s data from 2021, the rate of dying by suicide has gone up by 7.2 per cent. Internet, therefore, can offer a healing touch and guiding light to those in need in terms of online therapies or virtual support groups.

Last but not least, the Internet’s role in the modern economic space is undeniably essential. As per the India Inequality Report, the poorest 40% is less likely to make digital payments, which is demoralizing in view of inclusive and equitable development. Lack of adequate connectivity erodes not just people’s availability to catch pace with the modern economic system where digital payments have become a norm but also their ability to learn and evolve in a more connected economic space. Furthermore, individuals from remote geographical locations and orthodox social settings where conventional professions are preferred are more likely to face an extra burden due to a lack of digital connectivity. This ultimately accentuates economic and transformational costs and negatively impacts the growth of not just a community but a country at large.

 Way ahead

We believe that the Internet in today’s world is the life breath of a society which helps in providing resources, expertise and a better quality of life. The apex court has underlined repeatedly that the right to the Internet is an essential part of the larger chapter on fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Internet, when used judiciously, opens doors to universal upliftment and prosperity for all sections. Efforts like the recent PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme which aspires to enlarge Wi-fi connectivity throughout the country must not only be appreciated but also replicated to reach a wider segment of society. The need of the hour is a strong partnership with local NGOs and door-to-door campaigns to maximise dialogue and outreach.

 

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References used-

 

1- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)’s data, 2021-

 

https://ncrb.gov.in/sites/default/files/ADSI-2021/adsi2021_Chapter-2-Suicides.pdf

 

2- India Inequality Report 2022-

 

https://www.oxfamindia.org/knowledgehub/workingpaper/india-inequality-report-2022-digital-divide

 

 

3- Internet in India Report 2022-

 

https://www.iamai.in/sites/default/files/research/Internet%20in%20India%202022_Print%20version.pdf

 

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World Day Of Social Justice:A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy

The digital economy is transforming the world of work. Over the past decade, expansion in broadband connectivity, cloud computing, and data have led to the proliferation of digital platforms, which have penetrated several sectors of the economy and societies. Since early 2020, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to remote working arrangements and allowed for the continuation of many business activities, further reinforcing the growth and impact of the digital economy. The crisis has also laid bare and exacerbated the growing digital divide within, between and across developed and developing countries, particularly in terms of the availability, affordability and use of information ICTs and access to the internet, deepening existing inequalities.

We are striving to take forward the Digital Education Program For Children in Villages and Social and Economical Deprived Section. Please Sponor or Donate To Bridge the Digital Divide gap and help us in providing Digital Education To Children .

While digital labour platforms provide workers with income-generating opportunities and benefits from flexible work arrangements, including for women, persons with disabilities, young people, and migrant workers, they also present some challenges. For workers, these relate to the regularity of work and income, their rights to fair working conditions, social protection and adequate standard of living, skills utilization, and the right to form or join trade unions. Algorithmic monitoring practices, in some cases augmenting to workplace surveillance, are also a growing concern. Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are exposing the risks and inequalities of workers engaged in location-based platforms. For traditional businesses, the challenges include unfair competition from platforms, some of which are not subject to conventional taxation and other obligations because of their novel nature, including with respect to their workforce. Another challenge for traditional businesses is the amount of funding required to continuously adapt to digital transformations, especially for small and medium enterprises, and inadequate availability of reliable digital infrastructure, in the global South.

The regulatory responses from many countries have started to address some of the issues related to working conditions on digital labour platforms. However, there is a need for international policy dialogue and coordination since digital labour platforms operate across multiple jurisdictions. The promotion of national, regional, and international multi-stakeholder policy dialogue and coordination is also vital to ensure regulatory certainty and the applicability of universal labour standards, given the diversity of responses by countries and platform companies.

Transformations, especially for small and medium enterprises, and inadequate availability of reliable digital infrastructure, in particular in the global South. The regulatory responses from many countries have started to address some of the issues related to working conditions on digital labour platforms. However, there is a need for international policy dialogue and coordination since digital labour platforms operate across multiple jurisdictions. The promotion of national, regional, and international multi-stakeholder policy dialogue and coordination is also vital to ensure regulatory certainty and the applicability of universal labour standards, given the diversity of responses by countries and platform companies.

This year's commemoration supports efforts by the international community to search for solutions to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, universal social protection, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice for all. Consequently, it aims at fostering dialogue with member States and relevant UN institutions and other stakeholders on actions needed to overcome the digital divide, provide decent work opportunities,, and protect labour and human rights in the modern era of digital technologies.

social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
A Few Facts

• Employment growth since 2008 has averaged only 0.1% annually, compared with 0.9% between 2000 and 2007.

• Over 60 per cent of all workers lack any kind of employment contract.

• Fewer than 45 per cent of wage and salaried workers are employed on a full-time, permanent basis, and even that share is declining.

• By 2019, more than 212 million people were out of work, up from 201 million in previous years.

• 600 million new jobs need to be created by 2030, just to keep pace with the growth of the working age population.

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