Tackling digital poverty in Punjab is currently one of the highest priorities in achieving fair access to education. There is a low level of digital literacy in Punjab as a result of socioeconomic constraints, gender inequality and rural-urban divides. Rural and marginalized populations have limited device ownership, inadequate connectivity and high levels of digital illiteracy. Within the education system, children from low-income households, rural communities and female students face additional hurdles because of digital poverty.

In India, for every household that is online, about one household remains offline. This gap underscores how digital poverty is shaping educational outcomes and the scale of the challenge in addressing it. Academic performance is impacted by the digital divide. Disadvantaged learners face reduced educational persistence and limited career prospects.

To ensure fair access and inclusion for all students and to create equal opportunities both in school and in the job market later in life, digital poverty has become a pressing issue for India and Punjab.

POISE and Tackling Digital Poverty in Punjab

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors is addressing digital poverty in Punjab to improve education through the Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) program. An investment of $286 million has been made available for the project, which uses technology to monitor learning outcomes.

The investment means that 1.3 million primary school students are enrolled and more than 2.2 million secondary school students are also attending classes. In addition, 592,000 students in early childhood education will receive support through POISE. Digital infrastructure in schools will be expanded through the installation of computer labs, tablets and projectors, particularly for science and mathematics curricula.

Creating a Future Without Digital Poverty in Punjab

Paul Proccee, acting country director for the World Bank India, stated that “digital infrastructure has the potential to significantly drive economic development and poverty reduction.” He also noted that digital infrastructure can help fulfill “India’s vision of Viksit Bharat through quality education for better jobs.” 

Meghna Sharma and Ragnvald Michel Maellberg, task team leaders for the program, stated that “POISE will help to improve school readiness at pre-primary level, foundational learning at primary level, skills at the secondary level for school to higher education or work transition, as well as teacher training and school management.”

In recent years, India has shifted toward technology-led development. The aims of POISE include strengthening readiness for school, improving literacy and numeracy skills, enhancing the quality of STEM education and improving pathways into higher education and employment for students.

Looking Ahead

Tackling digital poverty in Punjab has the potential to transform education and expand opportunities for many students. The Digital Poverty Alliance has emphasized that digital poverty limits social and economic inclusion. The issue involves not only a lack of access to technology but also a lack of digital literacy and skills, which are essential in an increasingly connected world. POISE in Punjab represents a step toward ensuring that, regardless of background, more students have access to the opportunities created by the digital age.

– Suneel Mehmi

Suneel is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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