Access to Knowledge
2006, National Knowledge Commission report
The facility for access to information and knowledge repositories is acknowledged as a key ingredient in development of both the individual as well as the community. The report looks at the central problem of access to knowledge in India and some of the primary issues involved. Literacy of course is of paramount importance as the vast majority of information is in textual form. While significant progress has been made in this field, a lot remains to be done to correct the huge disparities in actual literacy levels. In the area of information dissemination, utilities like libraries and web portals provide solutions to the problem and must be encouraged so as to reach all corners of the country. The article envisages the development of information networks such as the Health Information Network and hopes that addressing the issues discussed will go a long way in creating a society with equitable access to knowledge.