| Introduction: Give a brief context of the question. Body: What ways can be considered to balance tech advancement with socio-economic inequalities. Conclusion: Way forward |
The recent success of the Chandrayaan mission has once again reignited debate about balancing ambitious technological advancements with the pressing need to address socio-economic inequalities.
Several strategies that India can consider to strike a balance between these two important priorities:
- Education & skill development: India should fund extensive national digital literacy initiatives to guarantee that people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to technology and the know-how to use it efficiently. Vocational training programs can equip individuals with skills relevant to the modern job market, especially in technology-related fields.
- Infrastructure: The need is to continue investing in physical infrastructure development, such as transportation and energy, to support economic growth and reduce regional disparities. Digital infrastructure, including data centres and broadband networks, will facilitate technological advancements and support the growth of the digital economy.
- Social security: The government can explore the feasibility of implementing Universal Basic Income or targeted cash transfer programs to provide a financial safety net for those facing economic hardship, enabling them to participate in the digital economy. The need is to strengthen public healthcare and education systems to ensure that essential services are accessible to all, irrespective of socio-economic status.
- Access to Technology: Expand access to affordable and reliable internet services, especially in rural and remote areas, to bridge the digital divide and enable access to online education, job opportunities, and government services. Encourage the development and adoption of low-cost computing and communication devices, making technology more accessible to marginalized communities.
- Responsible use of technology: Establish and enforce regulatory frameworks that ensure responsible and ethical use of technology, including data privacy protections and safeguards against discriminatory algorithms. Complement these efforts with a framework to protect digital rights, ensuring that all citizens have equitable access to the benefits of technological advancements.
Conclusion:
The attempt towards technological advancements should be supplemented with generous state support which can play a vital role in infrastructure development, health & education, and agrarian reforms. The goal should be to harness the transformative power of technology to uplift marginalized communities and create a more inclusive and equitable society in India.
