Digital Inclusion among the Tribes of Doda

Challenges, Gaps, and Pathways Forward

Abstract

The paper explores digital access and skill improvement among tribal communities in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. It analyses the obstacles to digital participation, levels of digital literacy, and the motivations for engaging with digital technologies. The research involved 100 participants who provided quantitative data on their internet usage, device ownership, and skill levels, along with qualitative interview insights. The findings indicate that while many individuals own smartphones and frequently use the internet, their activities are largely limited to essential tasks. Only a small percentage possess advanced skills such as coding. The main barriers preventing greater use of digital tools includes high  costs, difficulties with reading and writting, and issues related to language or culture. Despite these challenges, most participants recognise the potential need for targeted initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Recommended strategies include making internet access more affordable, implementing programs to teach digital  skills, and creating content in local languages.