India has become more digitally capable than before: MoSPI survey

Mobile phone usage jumps, so does internet access in two years

Low-cost mobile telephony has made India more digitally capable than before, with 85 percent of the over 15 population using an active mobile phone connection in 2022-23 compared with 70.2 percent just two years ago, found a new survey released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on October 9.

The survey noted that the number of people aged over 15 with an active mobile connection rose to 78.7 percent for women from 56.7 percent two years ago and reached near saturation for men at 91.4 percent, compared with 83.2 percent in 2020-21.

According to the new survey, nearly two in five people can now conduct banking transactions, while 43.4 percent can use their mobile phones to send emails.

Nearly 94 percent of the population had access to all-weather roads with 2kms of place of residence and 93.7 percent in urban areas had access to transport service within 500m.

Sanitation and drinking water availability improved from two years ago and was reaching near saturation.

Out of pocket spending declined to Rs 1,446 in urban areas and Rs 950 in rural areas, suggesting an improvement in health access as well.