ITC: few changing aspects

Right since independence, focus of Indian state is economic development, establishment of democratic values and social transformation. The preamble of Indian constitution has ensured to all of its citizens social, economic and political justice. Technological developments over the last few decades have significantly improved upon the conditions of the every strata of Indian society especially BPL households. Most revolutionary among them being, Information Technology and Communications which has rarely left any aspect of our life untouched. It has helped to breach the inequalities among socially backward people by promoting social mobility. Through IT intervention people are getting better benefits out of government schemes which has improved their status and helped them lead a dignified life.

Economically, communication and IT based solutions are being considered as panacea for all our difficulties. Government has taken several measures to realise the untapped potential of India’s demographic dividend through initiatives such as internet based education and skill development programme. National e- governance programme of Govt. of India envisages providing IT based infrastructure to provide efficient public delivery system, eradicate rampant corruption, promote transparency and induce accountability in government servants.

Keeping in mind the substantial contribution of services sector in general and ITC sector in particular to the India’ GDP, government is promoting IT parts throughout the country which in turn will generate the employment opportunities for the vast majority of unemployed working population. Various initiatives like core banking solutions and spread of ATM network has achieved the target of financial inclusion to a very large extent. It has made disposable money available to poor and therefore, improving their economic condition while averting them from falling into debt trap in hands of moneylenders.  

In the Political sphere, IT and communication sector has made many contributions ranging from generating public opinion and enabling community participation to promoting good governance. Many political leaders are striving hard to woo the voters through their social networking pages. Better transparency is holding them accountable to the supreme power of democracy: The people. Through Google hangouts and video conferencing political leaders are indulging into wide ranging discussions with general public.

Many politicians as well as political parties are active these days at sites such as Facebook and twitter. Right from UPA, BJP and even PMO have their accounts at these sites. They are also maintaining account managers for such sites. Social networking is said to be decider for polls’ results in near future. Politicians who are active at social networking sites are expected to be the most beneficiaries in coming general elections.

No doubt, with the advent of information technology, public delivery system has improved significantly both access wise and efficiency wise. Computerization has reduced the ghost accounts and multiple accounts. People are benefited and mobilized to higher strata. ITC though has been beneficial in many aspects has taken its toll on social and cultural fabric of our country. People prefer birthday and anniversaries greetings over internet rather sending them through traditional means like post, calls and messages. The expression of love and affection is gauged by number of likes and comments on Facebook and Twitter pages. Modern means of communications have replaced the older ones which in turn has reduced the affection between people. No doubt, disposable income with marginalized people has increased exponentially; however, it has resulted into the persistent inflation leaving the Indian economy into shambles.

Being active on networking sites and accompanied claims of better performance in elections are based on very rudimentary arguments. Those who are active on internet are either not active politically or even if they are they constitute a small fraction of population. Just about 60% voters turn out in elections is mostly from lower class or lower middle class which have very little access to internet or not at all. Most of the netizens (active on internet) in India club their election day’s holiday with weekends and plan a trip instead of voting. Though initiatives have been taken to provide internet connections in rural area, the performance on this front is merely dismal.
Good quality infrastructure and better connectivity are essentials of a healthy economy. Community participation is a essential prerequisite of a democracy. Though it is a good sign that educated people are showing interest in Indian politics, their effect on elections through social networking is far distant dream. A lot is yet to be done. ITC can be a handy tool in invoking people's interest in the politics. A socially, economically and politically just and equitable system is the need of hour to take India ahead in race with other developed and developing nations.