IT Article -- ICT Trends in India


Mr. Kalpesh Lad
Lecturer, MCA

  


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is changing the face of contemporary World. The ICT has not only connected the World at one single platform but it is also helping in the integration of various traditional societies into modern societies. The mandates of globalization also require an interaction between Indian economy and World’s economy. Globalization is closely related to ICT and the ICT strategy of a nation is very crucial to put it on a global map. The ICT strategy in India must be techno-legal in nature rather than purely legal or purely technological. Unfortunately, Indian ICT Strategy is not up to the mark.

Introducing ICTs into a rural setting, which could have been disruptive, happened smoothly at every site. Usage is low, with some sites averaging five users per day, and most having fewer than twenty-five. Nevertheless, there are lessons from failures, challenges and successes to date.

  • Absence of useful content is widespread and drives low usage. Causes include lack of digitized governance and localization. The generic content available over the Internet can only partially supplement locally stored content, but the Internet is a useful carrier of customized content.
  • Community-based organizations understand user needs the best and are also the best organized to provide it.
  • Path-dependency: Initially positive outcomes enhance acceptance and vice versa
  • Lack of awareness among users is widespread. In many cases, users were unaware of the full range of available services.
  • Inadequate operator selection and training is common. In many sites, the center operator was unaware of the basic technology, such as how to navigate the Internet or to maximize the use of the available tools.
  • Segments of the population are sometimes excluded. Female and landless populations are the most excluded, followed by exclusion of backward castes.
  • Undefined or inconsistent expectations in sharing project management were evident in some cases. At the same time, partnerships for content development, though limited, are observed to add value.

Though India is emerging as a leader in the field of ICT related services yet there seems to be some missing links. They pertain to the following:

  • The requirement of paying attention to e-security in India that covers cyber forensics, computer and cyber security, etc.
  • The cyber law in India also imposes certain restrictions and their violations may take the form of offences and contraventions. 
  • The establishment of digital evidencing base is an absolute requirement in India. The same is missing for the time being.
  • There is also a dire need of judicial reforms in India keeping in mind the requirements of ICT.
  • The establishment of electronic courts in India would be a good step towards implementing the judicial reforms in India in an effective manner.
  • The introduction of wireless technology in India would require its own security requirements. Thus, the wireless security in India must be considered on a priority basis.
  • There are legal risks of electronic commerce as well that also cannot be ignored.
  • E-learning in India must be used for techno-legal educational purposes in India.

Links:

http://iis-db.stanford.edu/pubs/20972/Dossani_Rural_ICT_2005.pdf
http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/apcity/unpan025298.pdf