Bridging the Gap: The Role of Digital Inclusion in achieving Social Inclusion

This review paper is an exploration of the importance of digital inclusion and the need to reduce the digital divide to combat poverty and social exclusion. Here, the impact of digitalization on seniors, the need to increase digital skills, and the importance of equitable and affordable access to technologies are also addressed. Also this review discusses the importance of continuing education to enable individuals to adapt to the rapid and constant changes in the digital world. The digital divide corresponds to social inequalities in access to and use of digital technologies. Access to digital technologies covers access to technological equipment, software, and an internet connection. Access may be limited by the type of device accessible, the quality of the equipment and connection, and the autonomy of access (places where the equipment is used). The digital divide is a reality that affects many people in India, particularly people living in poverty. This divide is manifested by a lack of access to technologies, a lack of digital skills and a lack of confidence in the use of digital technologies. These obstacles create profound inequality in access to information, online services, professional opportunities and education. The digital divide also limits citizens' involvement in democratic life by creating a disparity in the ability to use online resources to participate in decision-making. The lack of digital skills can lead to significant financial and social costs for governments. The Indian government has been actively promoting digital technologies to combat poverty and social exclusion through various initiatives over the past decade. One significant step was the launch of the Digital India campaign in 2015. This initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy by providing digital infrastructure, delivering services digitally, and increasing digital literacy. This review concludes that, the community and social economy organizations have a major role to play given the issues related to the digital divide and that they are able to contribute to creating a future where citizens meet their needs and desires by taking advantage of the benefits of technologies, including those resulting from artificial intelligence.