What does rural India need first: Roads, schools or world class digital connectivity?

Pratim Ranjan Bose

Can digital connectivity bridge the gap of physical infrastructure of an underdeveloped region or does it throw open wider opportunities for regions that already has ample infrastructure in place?

I had an opportunity to revisit the question recently while checking out the social benefits of National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN) pilot project at Panisagar in North Tripura.

The ` 20,000 crore project, which is on course to be rolled out across the country, aims to connect Gram Panchayats (village level local bodies) with 100 mbps broadband connectivity.

The idea is to create an world class information backbone (which is not even available in cities) that would find usage in either ensuring faster delivery of government services; creating an opportunity for rural population to consult of doctors living in cities; access quality learning material that was hitherto the eminent domain of students in top schools or colleges in urban India; secure tips from the choicest football coach; dial-in an agriculture expert for support on pest attack and so on.

The possibilities are endless, as with physical infrastructure - say creating good roads that immediately slashes the travel time, brings villages closer to the towns, encourages new business activities and so on.

Sam Pitroda. Pix. Economic Times

I am all for infrastructure. Having witnessed and enjoyed the fruits of the telecom revolution, once initiated by Sam Pitroda (now the cheif architect of NOFN) way back in the mid 1980’s, when telephone was a rarity, I have no lack of faith on telecom infrastructure.

But, the question bothers. Considering paucity of resources, as we are often reminded by the government(s), should we give priority in building capacities of our roads, railways, power, schools, universities, teachers, paramedics and others?

Take the case of Panisagar. While mobile telephony made it possible to connect people living here round the clock, it still takes the same five hours to cross 180 kms from Agartala, it was in mid 1980’s.

 Because, India forgot to rebuild and widen its only National Highway in the State, ever since the country won the 1971 war with Pakistan. Sixty years since annexation of the State to India, the state capital Agartala was recently connected by a metre gauge rail!

The damaged NH-44 connecting Tripura. Pix: Ashoke Chakrabarty

Telecom revolution may have helped Animesh Biswas of Panisagar to get a airline ticket at the click of a mouse but, he has to start a day in advance to catch the 50 minute flight from Agartala to Kolkata! The remoteness is more physical here and can no way be bridged by virtual media.

I am not here to ask more strategic questions on Defence needs - which are pertinent though, considering the unique location of Tripura. I am more concerned about Unu Miyan, who grows potatoes at 5 acres of land at Ramnagar merely for local consumption.

The transportation barrier ensures he has to live in a near-peasant economy without any access of wider markets. His fate is sealed. He has no choice but going with it.

E-learning can definitely enhance the scope of education. But, can it be any replacement for the ‘teacher’ and his occasional slap the face or a pat on the back?

In this multi-racial multi-cultural nation, where the linguistic map changes in every 100 kilometre, who will create content for students from Reang or Halam tribes who has problems in following the instructions even in the regional languages. If we cannot prevent dropout of students - especially girl students - from schools, what is the use of throwing open the world’s best library before a bunch of half literates or illiterates?

Digital connectivity can help a village doctor in consulting specialists in cities to help diagnose the disease better. But can quality healthcare be at all delivered if there are not enough doctors, nurses and paramedics available in the villages?  

Digital connectivity for few? Pix: Ashoke Chakrabarty

Are we trying to believe that a person can happily live in Siberia with superfine digital connectivity but, without the heating system at work? 

I might be extending the logic a bit too far than proposed by the architects of digital connectivity.

But travel across the length and breadth of the country and you will see people are forced to live in isolation, despite the advent and availability of best in class information technology. The advantage goes to a few.

Digital connectivity is welcome. But first pay attention to build enough roads, airports, railway network, schools, colleges and so on so as to remove the sense of isolation as is evident in India’s North Eastern region.