Delhi HC Addresses Digital Divide, Asks Delhi Govt To Bridge Gap For Online Welfare Schemes

The Delhi High Court asked the Delhi government to work to bridge the digital gap in offering online welfare schemes. While hearing public interest litigation (PIL), which alleged that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the economically weaker section, having no access to the digital modes, are at a losing end in terms of availing the welfare schemes’ benefits, the court issued a reminder that technology should serve as a bridge, not a barrier. The bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that while the states are moving towards online-only registration of welfare schemes, a large number of people don’t have access to digital modes because they can’t afford them or are not comfortable using them.

Case Brief

In the PIL (Aduram vs Union of India), the petitioner alleged that the current welfare housing schemes have an inherent bias towards technology, and people who are not tech-savvy can’t use them. The plea highlighted the exclusively digital, English-only, and first-come-first-served (FCFS) allotment mechanisms used by authorities. Per a Live Law report, the petitioner argued that fully digital modes fail to provide assisted access, which is very useful for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, thus making it difficult for these people and effectively discouraging them from accessing the government benefits.

Arguments

The counsel for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) admitted that the housing scheme is currently available only in English, but assured that a Hindi version would be available within a week. On the exclusion allegations, the counsel contended that assistance is already in place. There are help desks at Vikas Sadan where staff can upload application forms for citizens. There is a dedicated helpline, and public hearings are held without appointments bi-weekly.

The petitioner argued that these measures are not sufficient, considering the digital gap among the city’s poorest residents.

Court Observation

The Chief Justice Upadhyaya noted that while the government is online, the beneficiaries are not, and thus, the accessibility for digitally disadvantaged remains elusive. The court also noted that not everyone is tech-savvy, nor can they afford the necessary devices. It creates the gap between the intent of the scheme and its actual delivery.

The bench suggested that the government should consider establishing e-kiosks or help desks to assist citizens, irrespective of which government department is offering the scheme. It also noted that in Delhi, there is a lack of manned kiosks with computer systems, where people can go to get their work done free of charge.

Court Judgment

While the case continues, the court issued directives for the DDA and the Delhi government. The bench asked them to submit a comprehensive note detailing the steps taken in this regard. It also directed for Hindi translation of the portals and ensuring priority treatment for senior citizens at help-desks. For the petitioner, the court suggested contemplating a broader PIL and seeking direction for establishing government-managed kiosks across the capital to offer free digital assistance for government schemes to citizens.