Assessing Digital Literacy among the Oraon Tribe of Jharkhand: A Study

Year : 2026 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 01 | Page : 06 12
    By

    Pradeep Kumar Mahto,

  • K.L. Mahawar,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Library and Information Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Rae-Bareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Rae-Bareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Digital literacy is essential for inclusion and socioeconomic empowerment in the digital era. This study examines the digital literacy levels of the Oraon tribe in Jharkhand, with a focus on identifying skill gaps, demographic disparities, and barriers to digital access. A mixed-methods approach was employed to gather data from respondents in the Ranchi district, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews. Male respondents made up the majority (61.5%), with the largest age group being 26–35 years (45.9%), and the majority (34.9%) holding a degree of less than matriculation. Even though many people owned a smartphone, males were much more proficient with technology than females when it came to sending messages (t = 3.096, p <.001), using mobile apps (t = 3.584, p <.001), accessing e-governance services (t = 2.516, p =.013), and finding information online (t = 4.295, p <.001). However, there were no discernible differences in the use of digital payments by gender. The main challenges identified were low educational attainment, limited connectivity, and language limitations. To boost digital inclusion among the Oraon tribe, this study suggests infrastructure upgrades, gender-sensitive training, and locally relevant digital content.

Keywords: Digital literacy, Oraon tribe, Tribal development, ICT access, Ranchi

[This article belongs to Recent Trends in Social Studies ]

How to cite this article:
Pradeep Kumar Mahto, K.L. Mahawar. Assessing Digital Literacy among the Oraon Tribe of Jharkhand: A Study. Recent Trends in Social Studies. 2026; 03(01):06-12.
How to cite this URL:
Pradeep Kumar Mahto, K.L. Mahawar. Assessing Digital Literacy among the Oraon Tribe of Jharkhand: A Study. Recent Trends in Social Studies. 2026; 03(01):06-12. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rtss/article=2026/view=238979


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 01
Received 04/02/2026
Accepted 05/03/2026
Published 12/02/2026
Publication Time 8 Days
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