ICT FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

*M.V.Karuna Jeba Mary

Abstract:

There is much evidence that information and communication technologies (ICTs) are

drivers of economic growth. As a result, government is keen to promote ICT take-up,

particularly where there is economic development need. ICTs have a vital role to play in

realizing the grand vision of inclusion for all sections and groups of society. Information and

communications technologies (ICTs) are transforming the world of individual national

economies into an integrated global workplace. ICTs have helped narrow the digital, rural-urban

and gender divides, within nations and across geographic boundaries. The rural economy in most

countries is regarded as that which requires intervention in order to foster sustainability and

development, and there have been many empirical studies of both the value and the use of ICTs

in rural areas. In order to enable citizens to fully participate in the modern economy and take

advantage of the opportunities offered, the interrelated issues of social, financial and digital

inclusion have to be addressed in a holistic manner. Technology is at the centre of this

convergence. To supplement the country’s rural development efforts, the Government of India

has been focusing extensively on using ICT for the delivery of citizen services.

*Ph.D Scholar, Dept of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Tamilnadu

Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

This paper was submitted for eWORLDFORUM 2011 conference Page 1