Digital Access for Girls in India: Examining the Socio-economic Factors

Abstract: Using large-scale unit-level data from the Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS, 79th round, 2022-2023), we can observe that not only inter-regional but also intra-regional and intra-state inequality persist in girls' digital access in India. Digital infrastructure is penetrating widely, but exclusive ownership of phones is low among teenage girls, especially in rural areas. Also, the social (caste, religion), household (parental education, student age, family income), and geographical (location) factors play a significant role in exclusive digital access and internet use among girls in India. There are significantly deprived and marginal segments in society which have been historically excluded from technological advancements. This exclusion has long-term implications for gender parity in high-growth sectors and for the broader goal of inclusive and sustainable development. Keywords: Digital access, Socio-economic Barriers, Internet use, India. Title: Digital Access for Girls in India: Examining the Socio-economic Factors Author: Rahul Pal, Dr. Poulami Chatterjee, Dr. Dipparna Jana International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM) ISSN 2349-7807 Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2026 - March 2026 Page No: 1-7 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 09-March-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18922701 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Digital%20Access%20for%20Girls%20in%20India-09032026-4.pdf