An Assessment of Information and Communication Technology Among the Rural Women of Jhansi District of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted during 2023-2024 in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh, whose objective was assessment of awareness, perception and usage pattern of rural women with respect to ICT. A total of 90 respondents were selected through purposive technique. The data was collected through face-to-face-interaction using interview schedule. The study revealed that most of the 43.33 per cent respondents are in the middle-aged category. and about 34.44 percent have a moderate level of education, 45.55 per cent belong to Other Backward Classes and 100 per cent have been found married. Additionally, a significant majority of respondents are housewives (44.44 per cent), 37.78 per cent have the land up to 5 acres. Around 73.33 per cent respondents are, not members of any organization whose families Members form the primary source of information. Mobile phones are universally accessible among respondents. Most 70 per cent fall in the middle-income group, with an annual income between Rs. 45,040 and 2,35,993. 37.77 Per cent having a high level of awareness and perception regarding ICT. Moderate level of awareness and perception followed by 33.33 percent of respondents and the remaining 28.88 per cent had low levels of ICT awareness and perception. Mobile phones are the most popular communication tool, with 92.22 percent of respondents. Only 24.44 per cent use the internet for general knowledge, and 6.67 per cent for sanitation / use for environmental issues. Significant majority 70 per cent use ICT to a high extent, while 17.77 per cent use ICT to the medium limit and 12.22 per cent to the low limit. Barriers faced by rural women, including the most severe average is the lack of technical information with the mean score (62.04). Second major issue is the lack of time (average score 56.76), as these women often balance multiple responsibilities. The low literacy rate comes as the third hurdle with mean score (53.27). Overall, the findings showed that while ICT tools are increasingly accessible, their effective utilization was limited thus to increase effectiveness of ICT among rural women Education and training are needed, and both technical and economic-social barriers should be address.