ACCESS TO INTERNET AND EDUCATION: KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Advent of internet has changed the lifestyle of the people around the globe. Used as a professional communication mechanism by a limited group of people initially, the world is running on the internet at present, more specifically after the Covid-19 outbreak, be it in the field of business communication, means of expression, advertisement of imparting education etc. Due to the availability of varied facilities, presently India ranks 2nd in terms of usage of internet in the world. Facilities to read e-newspapers, e-books, attend online courses including courses under SWAYAM recognized by the UGC while being at home are only possible because of access to internet. Promising application of internet also provides accessibility to library resources of different countries. More importantly, the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 26/13 adopted in 2014 has emphasised upon the critical interconnections between free internet access and the development of worldwide education system that is inexpensive and comprehensive for everyone. Consequently, internet can be considered indispensable for the promotion of the right to education. Furthermore, the Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala decision of 2019 has also recognised access to internet as part of fundamental rights. Given that digital literacy and digital divide are being debated world over within the contours of the right to education, this paper aims at analysing the right to internet as a part of right to education guaranteed under the Constitution of India. This paper also highlights the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government to promote digital literacy and to facilitate access to information on the Internet while facilitating the right to education in India.