Jammu and Kashmir’s ambitious “Digital J&K” initiative, alongside e-governance and smart classroom programs, signals a bold stride toward technological inclusion. With over 1,165 digital services, 94% mobile internet coverage across 6,000 villages, and 3,427 smart classrooms in government schools, the region is embracing a digital future. The Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JaKeGA) has streamlined administrative processes through platforms like e-UNNAT, saving Rs 200 crore annually by abolishing the Darbar Move. Initiatives like the Tribal Affairs Department’s 200 smart classrooms and Kupwara’s Rs 4.5 crore investment in 259 schools with robotic labs highlight a commitment to modernizing education. The IT sector, projected to contribute 14% to J&K’s GDP by 2025, is fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Yet, the digital divide looms large, particularly for rural and tribal communities. Despite 97% mobile penetration, only 17.4% of J&K families shop online, with rural areas lagging significantly. Inconsistent internet connectivity, limited smartphone access among economically weaker sections, and low digital literacy—especially among women and tribal girls—persist as barriers. Sociocultural biases exacerbate this gap, with patriarchal attitudes and gender disparities restricting access to devices and training, particularly for girls. Studies from Jharkhand reveal that fear of technology and inadequate infrastructure deepen exclusion for tribal youth, a pattern echoed in J&K’s remote areas.
While programs like the Digital Empowerment Foundation’s c-DERP promote digital literacy, their reach remains limited. Infrastructure challenges—unreliable electricity, low bandwidth, and maintenance issues—hinder smart classroom efficacy. Only 3.47% of schools in tribal districts have ICT facilities, underscoring systemic neglect.
J&K’s digital push is transformative but uneven. Without robust infrastructure, targeted literacy programs, and gender-inclusive policies, the digital divide risks widening, leaving rural and tribal communities stranded. Bridging this gap demands not just ambition but equitable action to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
