ICTS FOR THE POOREST OF THE RURAL POOR

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are proving to be critical tools in rural development: social services, incomegenerating activities, and governance. However, rural people,
especially the poorest of the poor, in India are still neglected. Efforts need to concentrate on reducing access costs, creation of enabling environment, developing key technologies, development of relevant local languages content, joint efforts by public and private agencies, developing supporting infrastructure such as roads and power, dedicated venture capital fund, encouraging mass e-literacy, and leading of ICT initiatives by women and other underprivileged groups.