July 9, 2025
Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies, Prayagraj, India

In July, the Sundar Singh Institute released a comprehensive report detailing the persistent digital literacy gaps across rural South Asia. The study, based on two years of field research in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, revealed that while internet connectivity has expanded rapidly, the ability to effectively use digital tools remains uneven and often limited by socio-economic factors.

Lead researcher Dr. Farida Alam presented the findings at a press conference held at the Institute’s main campus. She noted that gender disparities were particularly stark, with women in rural areas being 38% less likely than men to possess basic digital skills. The report also highlighted that limited access to affordable devices and inadequate training programs have hindered the full realization of digital inclusion initiatives.

The publication calls for a multi-pronged approach, combining infrastructure investment, localized training programs, and policy measures aimed at integrating digital skills development into school curricula. It also emphasizes the role of civil society organizations and faith-based institutions in delivering community-level training, particularly for marginalized groups.

The report has already attracted attention from regional development agencies and was cited in a policy briefing submitted to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) earlier this month. Implementation discussions are expected to continue in upcoming forums, including the Institute’s September conference on climate resilience and community empowerment.