Should accessibility of internet be declared fundamental right

Should accessibility of internet be declared fundamental right 

 (By Rounakshi Dey ) 

Image By:- Darshika Singh

Right to Internet Access- a Fundamental Right

“Right is duty well performed”. Articles 12-35 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Fundamental Rights of the citizens of the Nation. We primarily had six fundamental rights in our Constitution. These rights are to be enjoyed by each and every citizen of India irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, gender, etc. These rights are essential to our survival. They are enforceable by the court if we are denied any of them except in case of a Regional or National emergency. The Supreme Court issued a verdict in 2019 that the Right to the Internet is a Fundamental Right under Article 19 of our Constitution. The ruling is at par with the United Nations, which declared way back that every human being should have access to the Internet as their fundamental right. This ruling was given in light of the woes of the residents of Kashmir as they had to survive without the internet for months.

How does the Internet bring about a change in us?

• The right to the Internet was recognized by the Supreme Court as an extension to our Right to Freedom of Expression. Using the Internet, we can allow our thoughts and ideas to reach millions. We can protest against any injustice. We are better informed than before. We can connect with people. We get our true recognition even globally.

• Having an internet facility is beneficial to all the students especially the ones from rural backgrounds. We know that there is a huge difference between rural and urban education system. Rural India lacks infrastructure facilities and teachers like the urban areas. Moreover, poverty is a major roadblock for education in the case of most of the students. Having a free internet connection will ensure that they get access to free books that they are unable to buy in hard copy. Also, urban teachers will be able to teach these children remotely. Hence, the rural-urban divide will reduce gradually. Also, every student will realize the global education scenario. Reputed professors from across the globe can be contacted via the internet facility. Day to day updates in every field can be known. Education will make huge progress once we have free access to it.

• Most often we visit rural fairs and are mesmerized by the quality of the handworks done by the people. We buy them at a very cheap price. The same design if bought from an urban shopping mall will cost us a few thousand. These rural people toil day and night and never get paid for their labor. They have no idea that their creation is sold off for lakhs in the cities. Their economic status doesn’t seem to get better. This is because they have no direct reach to sell in these malls. They even have no access to online shopping apps. They have to rely on middlemen who buy the products at a very meager rate and sell at high profits. With the right to internet facility, these rural people can look for the possibility to directly sell their products to urban customers and get the due amount. They will get their due with the access to the internet.

• Most of the time when we have any injustice meted out to us, we keep silent. We do not know if there are unfortunate ones like us who are victims of the same injustice. We do not know who will support us in our protest against injustice. We are afraid and our offender uses this to their advantage. But not anymore. With the Right to Internet facility, we no longer need to be afraid. One Facebook or one tweet is enough to gain mass support and raise our voice against injustice. Nowadays, even the local police stations communicate through the Facebook page. So, never be afraid if any injustice is meted to you. You just have to let the world know about it and you will have everyone in your support. We will be an inspiration for many. The Right to Internet will promote togetherness and our courage to fight against injustice. 

• Previously, almost every household member believed in some form of superstition or the other. We were forced to perform pujas and gave away lakhs to fake Babas. But the internet facility at our fingertips, the blindfold of superstition will fade away.

The Roadblock to the Right to Internet Access:

• Even if we have access to the internet, buying gadgets will be difficult for most people as they are expensive. Providing internet facility for all rural schools is never enough unless we have speakers and projectors provided as well. Similarly, at least procession of a smartphone is essential in order to use the internet facility.

• With easy access to the internet, fake messages are shared in seconds. People form opinions on the basis of these fake manipulated messages. Awareness is the most essential requirement of having the right to internet facility. Our uninformed decisions can hamper lives. Similarly, it is very easy nowadays to organize riots by circulating religious instigating messages over social media. Many people use the internet for their own selfish needs. The entire society gets hampered for these people. Hence, before posting anything online, we should think about its consequence and influence on others.

• In our country where people struggle to get four square meals a day, the right to internet facility is a mere luxury. We see a number of families struggling in the footpaths. They are deprived of even proper shelter. They hardly care about internet availability. All they need is food to satisfy their hunger. Hence, before promoting right to internet, the Government is supposed to look after providing enough food for all its citizens.

The economic condition of our country does not paint a bright picture. Before trying to provide internet access, the basic necessities of life, i.e., food and shelter must be made a Fundamental Right. Unless the citizens have a roof over their head and food to eat, they will never think about using the internet facility. Also, awareness must be spread regarding the usage of the Internet and posting informed opinions on social media.

Disclaimer:-

The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Light de Literacy and LDL does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.