Bridging the Digital Divide in India: Barriers to Adoption and Usage

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) revolution has radically improved connectivity across the globe and pervaded into most aspects of modern human life. The benefits of ICT can only be appropriated by those with access to the technology and capabilities to use the same. India’s ICT adoption has been rapid since the year 2000, but with sizable disparities across the country. This study surveys the correlates of ICT adoption and its use capabilities in India. It has been observed that income, education and household demographics are strong determinants of household ICT adoption, while education, age and gender are strong classifiers for variations in individual’s ICT use capabilities. The findings will be useful for having informed discussions on taking strategic decisions to bridge India’s digital divide.