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Informist, Friday, May 30, 2025

NEW DELHI – In an indication of gender disparity in India, a survey by the statistics ministry showed that nearly half of the female population over the age of 15 in rural areas do not own a mobile phone. On the other hand, 80.7% of men in rural areas own a mobile phone, according to a survey by the statistics ministry.

There is gender gap in urban area as well, albeit less wide. The results of the survey, titled 'Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom', show that 71.8% women in urban areas and 80% men own a mobile phone.

Among mobile phone owners in rural areas, 79.2% men and 75.6% women had a smartphone. In urban areas, 89.4% males and 86.2% females had a smartphone. 

The survey defined mobile phone ownership as having a device with an active SIM card for personal use, including employer-provided phones and those not registered in the user's name, the ministry said. Individuals with only SIM cards were excluded. While determining ownership, joint ownership of a single mobile phone was not considered; in such cases, ownership was determined based on the majority use criterion.

With respect to usage of a phone, 89.5% men and 76.3% women in rural areas reported using a phone in the last three months. In urban areas, these figres were 95% for men and 86.8% for women.

Of mobile users, 72.1% men and 57.6% women in rural areas also reported using the internet in the last three months. In urban areas, 85.5% men and 74% women reported using the internet.

Almost every Indian aged between 15 and 29 reported the ability to make online bank transaction on the phone using Unified Payments Interface, the survey showed.

The ministry's survey is based on data colected Jan-Mar. The survey collected data on various aspects of mobile and internet usage at both the household and individual levels. The survey covered the whole of the India Union except for some villages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands which were difficult to access.  End

Reported by Krity Ambey

Edited by Tanima Banerjee

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