Digital Divide in the flood-prone rual Bihar dispropotionately impacts marganilized communities.

Problem 

  1. Digital connectivity and literacy gap : 41% India’s population lack internet access due to unawareness and unavailability [IAMAI, 2024].
  2. Rural-Urban digital divide : Globally, rural internet access is just 48%, compared to 83% in urban areas [ITU, 2024].
  3. Gender-Digital gap: 37% female vs. 53% male internet adoption in India [GSMA, 2024].
  4. Climate vulnerability: Annual floods cause ₹1,805 crores in damages and 1,600 lives lost [National Disaster Management Guideline].
  5. Exclusive digital policy: lack local data and inclusive digital policy.

Impact

  1. Deepening inequality: Social & economic, and digital exclusion.
  2. Gender inequity: Women lose opportunities for empowerment and financial independence.
  3. Climate disasters: Amplify vulnerability, especially for smallholder farmers.
  4. Cybersecurity risks: Increasing misinformation and fraud.
  5. Policy invisibility: Communities excluded from decision-making, unheard voices, lack of digital policy initiatives.

Solution

  1. Digital connectivity: Computers, Wi-Fi.
  2. Digital skills: Mobile based digital literacy and Job ready
  3. Research & Advocacy: Identifies gaps and challenges through research, and advocate for inclusive digital policy for the state
  4. Reducing flood risks: providing early warning through digital media.