Abstract

Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies for Promoting Digital Literacy and Inclusive Development in Telangana

Sandeep Reddy. N

Volume: 15 Special Issue: 5 2025

Abstract:

In addition to making inclusive development a difficult task in Telangana, the digital divide has been one of the crucial obstacles, although the state is touted as the information technology hub of India. Within the context of this paper, the current level of digital literacy and accessibility in Telangana is discussed, and the main gaps in terms of urban-rural, gender, socioeconomic status, and age are identified. This paper examines current policies to close the digital divide, infrastructure improvement efforts, and education by evaluating the current methods of closing the digital divide and offers evidence-based suggestions on ways to enhance inclusive digital development. The study shows that although Telangana has achieved considerable success in urban regions, especially in Hyderabad, rural areas still have a big problem with internet penetration, access to devices, and the development of digital skills. Women, the aging population, and economically disadvantaged populations have a lower level of digital literacy, which reinforces a relationship with the existing social inequalities. The article examines flagship schemes such as T-Fiber, Digital Telangana, and other skill development programs and evaluates their success in targeting the marginalised population. Among the notable conclusions are that successful digital inclusion should be based on a multi-pronged strategy including infrastructure growth, cheap access, the creation of vernacular content, institution-specific training, and collaborations between the government and the private sector. Some of the recommendations involve expansion of last-mile connectivity, subsidization of devices among low-income families, creation of Telugu-language digital resources, creation of gender-sensitive training, and the creation of sustainable local digital entrepreneurship ecosystems. The study will help in comprehending how the emerging economies can use digital technologies to grow equally and overcome the sociotechnical obstacles that have perpetuated digital exclusion.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrssh.v15i05.029

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