ON LINE TECHNOLOGY AND INDIAN ECONOMY.

 

By K P PASWAN.

On line technology has become a way of life, without which India cannot progress and cannot survive. In the context of Indian economy, online technology is of recent origin and is becoming an essential tool for an emerging economy. It cannot be defined in a few words or even sentences. There is hardly any sector which is immune from the impact of online technology. Globalization of economy without the application of this technology is meaningless.

 In the case of underdeveloped countries, industry and manufacturing activities flourished in traditional ways, but once online technology was introduced, even change in human behavior was seen and they were quick to realize the wonder of modern technology.

Since independence, India did not open its market for the world. Mixed economy was opted as there was no alternative. After 1970 televisions and first generation of computers were introduced, but the import of these items was restricted and India remained in isolation. Majority of Indians were unaware of latest inventions and new system of technology. In India, conventional system of communication like wired telephone and telegram were in operation, these were used by majority of Indians. Even Black and White TV sets were seen in big cities. Wireless based technology was restricted to armed forces.

UNCATADE, was the predecessor of WTO, and was responsible for regulating the international trade. After 1980, the world began to see the emergence of a different type of of technology which needed new regulations.Several steps were taken, both within and outside the country to meet new challenges.. Mobile phones were introduced in India, but importation was difficult and expensive and above all customs clearance was needed. While in agriculture, online technology was playing excellent role in western countries, India remains untouched by such development.

After 1998 Indian economic was globalized and import regulations were eased and the impact was felt in economic activities, Mixed economy disappeared and manufacturing activities based on new technology was needed if India was to compete with the rest of the world. Importation of majority of items were placed under open general license, meaning no license was required for importation of such manufactured goods.

INTERNET. Introduction of computer-based education, altered the pattern of teachings. High speed internet and communication changed Indian mindset in different dimension. Arrival of internet in open market changed the nature of our thinking. Growth of American economy is based upon a simple idea, ‘’Either invent or perish’’  A closer look at the growth of US and for that matter emerging economics of EU, reveal the part played by rapid progress in online technology. Outstanding economic progress in Chinese is attributed to applying online technology in manufacturing activities.

India is overpopulated countries with plenty of natural resources. Traditional coal-based industries played key role in the development of power sector. Steel plants in public sectors like Bokaro Visakhapatnam, Bhilai were established in collaboration with Russia, but the technology applies was ageing and needed upgraded tools to expand and renovate these steel manufacturing units, in private sectors Tata was the first to introduce online based technology.

 Green revolution was started in India by applying Japanese methods of harvesting paddy, but it was soon changed in favor of other methods with wonderful results. Online technology is being applied on grand scale in agriculture, modified version of certain agriculture  products  in India was introduced with excellent result.

PRESENT SCENARIO. Credit must be given to the present government led by Narendra Modi, who raised the slogan DIGITIZE INDIA, the country has entered into an age of  new technology for education, medical care and online consultation. Aadhar based welfare schemes for the poor has produced outstanding results. Aadhar is based on bio metric methods of identification was conceived long ago for some other purpose, but now this online based identity is generating employment opportunity for larger section of the people. 

In the field of communication, we see the pathetic conditions prevailing in post offices and  telecommunication. Old technology is being replaced by fastest and most reliable means of communication for rich and poor. Modrn technology saved Post Offices and is going to save BSNL. Contrary to popular belief, online technology or automation will nor result in trimming of work forces, but the technology will change the nature of jobs. Educated Indian youths with a little intelligence earn good amount of money and in fact there are thousands of young men and women who are earning through online business. Making graphic design is a newel way of earning money.

 There is online booking of railway tickets. Air tickets and cylinder gas. Online reservation of hotel room has become popular and it has boosted tourism.

PANDEMIC AND ONLINE TECHNOLOGY. Pandemic has adversely lampooned the economic of every country in the world. India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil were in the race for challenging the growth of Chinese economy. India and its friends lost the race, but temperament still exists. Complete lock down not only resulted in acute unemployment, but also led to closure of small-scale industries. People were dying in the worst possible manner, but online technology virtually saved Indian economy from dreaded collapse. School. Colleges and other educational centers remain closed, but online classes were introduced. Initially there were difficulties but once started, virtual attendance looked like real attendance.

 Works from home were introduced and this led to further improvement in economic sectors. In acute and in some form of chronic illness, online consultation established a different type of relationship between doctor and patient. People with a little patience were able to seek advice from eminent physicians. Online technology has strengthened the globalization of our health system and defense infrastructures.

 Vaccines for Coronavirus within a short period was not possible without applying online technology. Traditional methods of manufacturing vaccines were time consuming and impossible to manufacture vaccines. Collecting data by fastest computer has miraculous result otherwise ten to fifteen years were needed were required for manufacturing vaccines as collecting data was a cumber process.

 Modern banking system in India is operating on online technology and in near future we may hear good news that every Indian has a saving account in different banks. Preventing bank fraud needs proper application of online technology, and certain positive steps have been taken by the government, like complete digitization and paperless works not only in banking institutions but in other offices of the country.

 We hear a lot about auction of SPECTRUM, which from G2 to G5 is going to change the entire economic structure of Indian economy. While it is the paramount duty of telecommunication companies to provide affordable communication services. including internet services to general people. It is for the regulatory authority to keep watch on such operators, who cannot innovate new ideas and seek packages for survival.

 Auction of spectrum has led to the growth of unnecessary rivalry and not the healthy co-operation among different private telecom companies. This does not augur well for the development of fastest communication. Govt owned BSNL, once enjoying monopoly in communication has become sick as it failed to introduce modern technology in the market. In absence of better service to common people, telecom companies, not adopting online technology are doomed and a few of them have disappeared from Indian market.

Can we imagine poor parent in remote areas talking to their son, working in distant parts of the country and in some cases video calling, removed the distance between the parents and children.Every person in India possess one mobile phone, it means, they understand the importance of modern technology and they are contributing to the growth of economy.  Online or digital technology is being applied to boost white revolution (milk production) Digital  health cards would be provided to deserving people and, health records will be digitized.

 Online purchase of essential items has become possible in the country because of this technology. The situation has taken a dramatic turn when the regulatory authority had to take corrective measures to protect the small manufacturers. Now people, do not run to big Malls or shopping complex to purchase small or big items like air conditioners and fridges.  Traditional cinema houses are being closed and completely new forms of movie halls are seen in Malls and Shopping complex. Traditional big cameras have been replaced by mobile phone fitted with cameras, which are faster and better.

 Indian economy is receiving outstanding boost from such technology. Giant IT houses like INFOSYS, WIPRO and TCL are internationally recognized for excellent working. Online filling of income tax return has been accepted by tax payers without even scant protest.

CARE FOR ELDERS. For pensioners, the govt has introduced system of submitting on line life certificate. A few years ago, pensioners were required to present themselves before the competent authorities to prove that they were alive and entitled to draw pension for the next twelve months. Introduction of Digital Life certificate means, a pensioner can submit his life certificate on line by bio metric authentication with the help of a not so expensive small machine. This technology is also being used for other welfare measures.

LIMITS. Online technology has also not without limits. There are unscrupulous elements known as Cyber Thugs who may commit different kind of crimes, difficult to detect and punish. In every police station. a separate Cyber cell have been established, but that is not enough, Stringent punishment is needed for cyber criminals.

 In fact, the entire human race is affected by these modern criminals who are product of online technology. In a booming Stock Markets and also in Medical and Defense sectors these Cyber Criminals are more active. Online crimes are turning into some forms of online industries. Political heads of different countries meet regularly to discuss the cyber crimes and ways and means to prevent such  crimes.

Online technology has virtually altered Indian defense system with enhanced to combat the external and internal threat. Defending Indian sovereignty and even open democracy is not a big problem. Casting of votes by Electronic Voting machines and counting votes based on modern technology has strengthened Indian democratic institutions.

FINAL THOUGHT. Without online technology, industries whether in large sectors or small sectors,emerging economy cannot succeed in boosting production. Online technology is necessary for survival instinct of common people. Modern banking system cannot be operated without online technology. In Pandemic education did not suffer much because of online education. Works from home encouraged paperless works. Online technology is going to influence climate change in a positive manner.