Published Paper


Digital Inclusion and Usage Behaviour: A Study to Understand the Rural-Urban Differences under the Digital India Initiative

1Subhalaxmi Mohapatra; 2Diti Vyas
National University, Sanskardham Campus, Bopal-Ghuma-Sanand Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Page: 1358-1371
Published on: 2024 December

Abstract

The study aims to identify the effect of digital inclusion initiative by governments on individual digital consumption usage with a focus on identifying the differences between rural and urban population. Based on a sample of 390 respondents randomly selected from two districts of Gujarat state in India, the present study aims to identify the relationship between population demographics and digital usage. The study also explores the differences that exist between rural and urban population using chi square tests.Major findings indicate uniformity across different demographics in digital usage in urban areas, while there are stark differences among certain demographics in the rural areas. Differences were also found between the rural and urban population in terms of the digital usage.The present study has policy implications for the implementation of digital inclusion initiatives. Moreover, these insights can be used to understand the effectiveness of these initiatives by focusing the specific needs of rural populations and reducing differences in digital access and usage.This study adds to the limited empirical research on the effects of digital inclusion initiatives, particularly in the context of rural-urban comparisons. It highlights valuable insights into how demographic factors impact digital consumption and the ongoing challenges of achieving digital equity across varied regions.

 

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