THE INFLUENCE OF EXPOSING RURAL POPULATIONS TO ICT INFRASTRUCTURES ON THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A MICRO LEVEL STUDY

Abstract

Development refers to the enhancement and progress in all facets. Given that 75 percent of our nation's population resides in rural areas, it is imperative to prioritize the transformation of rural society in order to address the pressing issue of rural development. Development encompasses the progress of both society and the economy, and can be achieved through the dissemination of information, education, and effective communication. Communication is an essential process for exchanging information, and without it, progress would be impossible. There is a wealth of information on rural development topics such as health and hygiene, agriculture, animal husbandry, adult literacy, and entrepreneurship. This information needs to be effectively transferred to rural communities through an appropriate communication mechanism. The transition from rural communication to satellite communication is a highly advantageous development for all of humanity. The primary objective of this communication advancement is to foster human development, specifically by facilitating communication that can effectively mitigate poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between the utilization of ICT infrastructure and the socio-economic progress of rural communities.