Sociopolitical Challenges to Digital Transformation of Rural Communities: Learnings from a Case Study From Manipur, India

The United Nations Panel on Digital Cooperation, 2019, has emphasized the inclusive growth of digital networks and digital public goods, utilizing a multistakeholder systems approach. Similarly, the information and communications technology (ICT) Innovation and Intervention Program of the Government of India’s Digital North East Vision 2022 has also emphasized a need for inclusive growth of ICT in the Northeast Region. In line with the above, this article presents insights from a field study conducted in the rural parts of Manipur, India, which incidentally can be found to be applicable to many rural parts of the developing world. The article envisions a community-driven sociodigital transformation of the Northeast Region of India. In this quest, the article highlights sociopolitical challenges for digital transformation and provides insights for inclusive ICT in such regions—infrastructure as a utility for every citizen, smart governance and services on demand, digital empowerment of citizens, social welfare, capacity building, and community engagement.