Digital Inequality in the Bagmati Province: An Integrated Approach to Assessing Digital Participation

Abstract:

As Nepal pursues digital transformation via the Digital Nepal Framework (2019), Bagmati Province serves as a critical case study for understanding "second-level" digital divides. This study examines digital inequality among the economically active population (N = 134) using an integrated scoring approach that evaluates household income, material access, and usage intensity. The results reveal a 29.1% digital exclusion rate. Binary logistic regression identifies monthly household income (p < .001), urban-rural location (p = .017), and digital literacy (p = .038) as the primary predictors of inclusion.

Key Findings & Discussion:

• Income Dependency: The most striking finding is the odds ratio for income (6.10), confirming that digital participation is heavily income-dependent.
• Rural Penalty: Even when controlling for income, rural residents have 73.1% lower odds of being digitally included.
• Policy Implications: The study suggests that infrastructure expansion must be coupled with affordability and literacy interventions to achieve the goals of the Digital Nepal Framework.

Key Highlights:

• Quantitative Assessment: Identification of a 29.1% digital exclusion rate in Nepal's administrative hub.
• Methodological Framework: Utilization of Van Dijk’s (2005) Resources and Appropriation Theory to assess second-level divides.
• Predictive Analysis: Use of Binary Logistic Regression to isolate socio-demographic drivers of inequality.
• Actionable Recommendations: Evidence-based suggestions for targeted subsidized connectivity and localized literacy programs.

Keywords: Digital Inequality, Bagmati Province, ICT4D, Digital Nepal, Logistic Regression, Socio-economic Stratification, Digital Inclusion.