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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
A recent report released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) has uncovered a significant gender disparity in mobile phone ownership across India, particularly in rural regions. The findings, drawn from the Comprehensive Modular Survey - Telecom (CMS-T), emphasize the broader challenges surrounding digital inclusion and gender equality in the country.
Overview Of Survey
Conducted between January and March 2025, the CMS-T was designed to capture national-level data on mobile phone usage, internet access, and basic digital competencies. Covering 34,950 households and 4,382 sampling units nationwide, the survey gathered insights into individual ownership of mobile devices and internet habits.
Gender Disparity In Mobile Ownership
The data reveals that 51.6% of rural women aged 15 years and above do not own a mobile phone. In contrast, 80.7% of rural men in the same age group reported ownership. Urban areas performed better, with 71.8% of women owning a mobile device, compared to 90% of men. For this survey, ownership was defined as having personal access to a device with an active SIM card.
Smartphone Penetration
Among mobile phone owners, the majority use smartphones. In rural India, 79.2% of male owners and 75.6% of female owners reported using smartphones. Urban figures were even higher, with smartphone usage at 89.4% for men and 86.2% for women pointing to increasing access to modern technology but still marked by gender imbalances.
Usage Despite Limited Ownership
Interestingly, even where ownership is low, mobile phone usage remains significant. In rural areas, 76.3% of women had used a mobile device in the past three months, compared to 89.5% of men. In urban settings, these figures rose to 86.8% for women and 95% for men, highlighting that many women rely on shared devices for digital access.
Youth Engagement With Mobile Technology
Young people demonstrate high engagement with mobile devices. Among rural males aged 15–24, mobile phone usage reached 98%, while 95.7% of females in the same group reported using a phone recently. This suggests that while ownership remains an issue, access among youth is relatively strong.
Internet Usage Trends
Access to the internet is a critical factor in digital empowerment. In rural areas, 92.7% of individuals aged 15–29 had used the internet in the last three months. This figure climbs to 95.7% in urban areas. Notably, 99.5% of this group reported the ability to carry out online banking transactions, demonstrating growing digital literacy.
Addressing Gender Divide
The report underscores an urgent need for targeted policies to bridge the digital gender divide. With a significant number of women still without personal mobile phones, there is a clear demand for initiatives that promote ownership and digital education. Expanding access will not only empower women but also ensure their fuller participation in India’s evolving digital economy.
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