Authors - Utkarsha Wanjari, Shubham Kadam, Chhitij Raj, Pankajkumar Anawade, Deepak Sharma Abstract - The digital divide continues to be a global issue since it accounts for the marginalization between the group owning access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and those without access. This report looks at the crucial role of ICT in bridging this gap and ensuring integral social and economic development. ICT does hold tremendous transforming potential through its power to enrich education, modify healthcare delivery systems, and strengthen governance through digital inclusion. Economically, it propels innovation, expands access to global markets, and creates financial inclusion through digital tools. Though still highly significant, challenges persist in the form of infrastructure deficits, digital literacy gaps, and socioeconomic inequalities. Through case study examples and successful global initiatives, this report is shaped by best practices and strategies to work around these challenges. It draws attention to public-private partnership efforts, policy reform, and investment in ICT infrastructure and ICT training. Bridging the digital divide is not just technical but also a pathway to achieving equitable and sustainable development in an increasingly digitalizing world.
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