From Policy To Practice: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Government Digital Education Initiatives In Bridging The Digital Divide For Marginalized Urban Communities
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Vanshika Premani, Research Scholar (Law), Bundelkhand University, Jhansi
Prof. L.C. Sahu, Bundelkhand College, Jhansi
ABSTRACT
To enhance access to learning materials and decrease the inequality in education, governments worldwide have launched massive online educational programs. Platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM, PM e-VIDYA, and digital infrastructure programs have been encouraged in India as some of the solutions to close the digital divide. Nevertheless, the success of these efforts in underserved urban neighborhoods is a critical issue because of the ongoing issues of insufficient device access, unreliable internet access, low levels of digital literacy, and socioeconomic factors. This paper assesses the extent to which government digital education policies have been converted into effective education gains to the learners in the poor urban environments. It harshly evaluates the disjuncture between intentions and realities on the ground, access, usability, inclusiveness, and educational outcomes. The paper also points out the effect of the language barrier, lack of awareness, inadequate institutional support, and uneven digital infrastructure on the adoption and effect of these initiatives. The findings highlight that as government programs have increased digital learning opportunities, the success of government programs in closing the digital divide is not evenly distributed and needs to be further supported at the community level, enhanced infrastructure, and more inclusive digital content. The paper ends with a set of practical recommendations that will enhance implementation mechanisms to make sure that digital education is a significant social inclusion tool and educational equity in the marginalized urban communities.
Keywords: Digital Education, Digital Divide, Government Initiatives, Urban Marginalized Communities, ICT in Education, Digital Inclusion, Educational Equity.
