Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
6) ICT tools offer huge scope for rural development. Discuss. Also, discuss the recent related initiatives by GoI with regards to rural development.(250 words)
Yojana magazine (May Issue)
Why this question
Use of ICT tools for development is increasingly being adopted and stressed upon, given the many benefits it provides and increasing penetration of these technologies in rural areas. The issue is related to gs-3 syllabus under the following heading
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to discuss how ICT tools can help us in rural development. It also wants us to write in detail about the recent initiatives of GoI in this direction.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all encompassing directive which mandates us to write at length about all the important and related aspects of the question.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that ICT offers huge scope for rural development and increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet in rural areas makes it easier and more desirable etc.
Body–
- Discuss how ICT tools can help in rural development. E.g better service delivery, better information delivery, improving connectivity, education and health services, markets, governance etc.
- Discuss the recent initiatives of GoI in this direction. SECURE (Software for Estimate Calculation Using Rural rates for Employment); Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) – E-Panchayat; Plan Plus; Action Soft; PRIA Soft; National Panchayat Portal (NPP) etc.
Conclusion- Mention the impediment to use of ICT tools for rural development and need to overcome them. E.g Continuous Supply of Electricity, Low level of Digital Literacy , Shortage of ICTs Personnel, etc.
