Digital India and Rural Local Elections in Eastern Vidarbha

The present study examined the role of Digital India in improving access to local self-government election information among rural citizens of Eastern Vidarbha during 2017-2026. The study highlights that digitalisation has created new opportunities for citizens to access electoral information through smartphones, Internet services, online voter facilities, Common Service Centres and official government platforms. At the same time, digital access is not uniform across rural communities. Connectivity, affordability, digital literacy, education, availability of devices, language, technical difficulties, and dependence on intermediaries continue to influence the effective use of digital services. Therefore, the availability of a digital platform alone cannot ensure inclusive digital participation.The study also indicates the importance of combining digital and traditional communication channels. Online services can reduce physical barriers and improve the speed of information access, while Gram Sabha meetings, local institutions, CSCs, and interpersonal communication remain important for citizens with limited digital capabilities.