Does ICT really help in Rural Development in India?

Abstract

Abstract: First IT and now Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become most widely used and pronounced buzzword of the computer industry. One hears about it every where from stock markets to Government corridors across the country. The whole world is moving from analog to digital, specialization to multidisciplinary, local and stand-alone to world-wide, face-to-face communication to satellite communication. But, does this craze for ICT have any meaning for silent majority of country; for those living in rural areas? How can computers be of any use for illiterates? Even if they can read write can they read write English? Which is the predominant language in ICT arena today? In such a scenario, it may be rather difficult task to answer. What can be the role of ICT in rural development? Critics of ICT often said that "computers can only provide information and communication at instant. But can not supply people the drinking water, health services, employment. True; a computer is not a magic stick that can solve all problems in rural areas. But critics forget that villagers are also needing to know about their village, district natural resources around them seasons and monsoons, about market rates of goods and about government schemes. Obviously, a connected PC is Fabulous Tree, fruitful for all this and much more. Fortunately, India took to ICT early as compared to other developing countries. The internet has now fascinated us to take the PC to every village. It must play master role in rural education, health and agriculture. It should be Community Computer Centre (CCC) than Personal Computer in India. This paper not only focuses on the different problems in rural areas but also gives some thurst areas for use of ICT in Rural Development.