India's national information policies have evolved over the years to align with the changing landscape of information technology, education, and economic development. These policies aim to foster the growth of information systems, ensure equitable access to knowledge, and support the development of a knowledge society. Among the most notable initiatives in this context is the National Knowledge Commission (NKC), which played a key role in shaping India's information and knowledge policies.
National Information Policies in India
India’s approach to information policies has primarily been focused on addressing the need for equitable access to information, technological advancement, and integration of libraries, archives, and knowledge resources. Over time, the country has developed several key policies aimed at creating a framework for the dissemination of information.
1. National Policy on Information Technology (2000)
This policy was one of the earliest comprehensive efforts to address the need for a national information infrastructure in India. Its primary goal was to leverage information technology (IT) to propel India into the digital age, ensure that IT reached all sectors of society, and increase India’s capacity for knowledge and innovation.
Key Aspects of the Policy:
Promotion of e-governance and IT-enabled services.
Development of IT infrastructure to improve access to information.
Encouragement of IT literacy at various levels.
Enhancing India’s global position as an IT services hub.
Digital inclusion of rural and underserved areas.
While the policy was focused mainly on IT infrastructure, it set the stage for later developments in digital knowledge management and access to information resources.
2. National Information Policy (2009)
The National Information Policy, which was framed in 2009, aimed to create an enabling environment for the free flow of information. The policy was developed to address the growing need for access to digital information and establish national standards for information dissemination and management.
Key Features of the Policy:
Access to Information: Promoting transparent and easy access to information for all citizens.
Digital Infrastructure: Building and upgrading information infrastructure, particularly for public access, in urban and rural areas.
Open Access: Ensuring that public sector information is available for public use, supporting open government initiatives.
Knowledge Management: Creating frameworks for effective knowledge management across government, institutions, and libraries.
Capacity Building: Emphasizing skill development in the use of IT and information technologies.
This policy marked a major step forward in enhancing access to public information and aligning India’s information systems with global best practices.
3. National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
Launched in 2016, the National Digital Library of India is a major initiative aimed at providing digital access to learning resources and materials to students, researchers, and the general public. It is designed to make educational content widely available in various formats (text, audio, video, etc.) and in multiple languages.
Key Objectives:
To provide a comprehensive digital repository of knowledge and educational resources.
To make learning materials accessible to students and professionals at all levels.
To promote the use of open-access resources and digital libraries across the country.
The National Digital Library is a part of India’s broader effort to build an inclusive and accessible information infrastructure.
National Knowledge Commission (NKC)
The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was set up by the Government of India in 2005 under the leadership of Dr. Sam Pitroda, a noted technocrat and reformist. The NKC was tasked with formulating a comprehensive national policy on knowledge management and recommending reforms to enhance India’s knowledge infrastructure.
Objectives of the NKC:
The NKC aimed to transform India into a knowledge society, where access to knowledge, education, and information would be freely available to all citizens, thus fostering sustainable development.
Key Recommendations of the NKC:
Knowledge Society: The NKC emphasized the creation of a knowledge society through the establishment of accessible information and educational resources.
Educational Reform: NKC focused on the need for reform in the education sector to meet the growing demand for skilled human resources. It called for improving the quality of higher education and establishing more educational institutions, especially in rural areas.
Library and Information Infrastructure: NKC recommended strengthening the library and information infrastructure by upgrading public libraries, ensuring digital access to resources, and promoting the digitization of information.
National Digital Library: The Commission recommended the creation of a National Digital Library of India, which would serve as a central repository of educational and research materials.
Open Access: It advocated for the adoption of open-access initiatives to make research papers, books, and other materials freely available to the public.
Research and Development (R&D): The NKC recommended strengthening India’s research and development capacity and promoting innovation through collaborative networks.
Key Reports and Contributions of the NKC:
1. Report on Libraries and Information Systems (2007): One of the NKC's landmark reports was focused on improving library services in India. The report highlighted the need for:
Investment in modernizing public libraries.
Training and professional development for librarians.
Collaboration between libraries, educational institutions, and research organizations.
Establishing a National Knowledge Network to connect institutions and libraries across the country.
2. National Knowledge Network (NKN): Following the recommendations of the NKC, the Government of India launched the National Knowledge Network (NKN) in 2010. NKN is a high-speed broadband network that connects over 1,500 educational and research institutions across India, enabling seamless access to educational content, data, and collaborative research resources.
3. Promotion of Digital Learning: The NKC recommended the establishment of digital learning platforms and resources, which led to initiatives like the National Mission on Education through ICT and the e-Governance initiatives.
Impact of the NKC:
The NKC's recommendations influenced the modernization of the educational and research sectors in India.
The concept of a Knowledge Network and Digital Libraries has led to initiatives that facilitate information sharing and improve access to knowledge resources, especially in underserved areas.
The NKC's advocacy for open access has contributed to the growth of open-access journals, repositories, and digital archives in India.
Conclusion
India’s national information policies and the work of the National Knowledge Commission have played an essential role in shaping the country’s approach to knowledge dissemination and information access. From the promotion of digital literacy and open-access resources to the development of knowledge infrastructures such as the National Knowledge Network and National Digital Library of India, these efforts have significantly advanced India's information ecosystem.
The National Knowledge Commission in particular helped drive the transformation of India into a knowledge-driven economy by encouraging policy reforms, fostering digital access, and promoting the role of libraries, education, and research. Its vision continues to influence the way India develops and manages its information and knowledge resources, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to access the tools needed for lifelong learning and development.
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