In the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha discussed critical national issues, focusing on the deepening “digital divide” and increasing threats from “cybersecurity” breaches. Dr. V. Sivadasan, a CPI(M) MP from Kerala, highlighted the significant “national digital divide” that continues to marginalize a large portion of the population from essential services and opportunities.
He pointed out the lack of digital infrastructure in many educational institutions across the country, particularly affecting students in rural and underserved areas, depriving them of modern learning tools and online educational resources. Despite initiatives like Digital India, this gap persists, hindering access to digital facilities for thousands of workers eligible under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Sivadasan emphasized that a substantial number of citizens are unable to access various government services due to the increasing digitization of welfare schemes, subsidies, and application portals. He also raised concerns about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise for electoral rolls, highlighting how the digital divide could disenfranchise vulnerable voters, especially from marginalized communities, by impeding their participation in online verification and submission processes.
Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai, a BJP MP from Gujarat, also addressed the Rajya Sabha, expressing alarm over the escalating cybersecurity threats and cyberattacks in critical sectors like banking, government databases, and infrastructure amid India’s rapid digital transformation. Desai called for stronger cybersecurity frameworks and proactive measures to safeguard citizens and institutions from the growing sophistication of cyber threats.
These discussions in the Budget Session reflect broader concerns about equitable access to technology in a digitally evolving economy and the necessity for robust defenses against cyber risks. As Parliament proceeds with the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address and the Union Budget preparations, these issues are expected to remain central in further deliberations.
