Exploring the Use of Mobile Communication in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: An Indian Perspective

The study aims to explore the use of mobile communication as a catalyst for sustainable development in India. The digital transformation due to information and communication technology (ICT) has opened new avenues for e-commerce, online services, remote work, and entrepreneurship, leading to economic development and job creation. This study explores SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 6, SDG 7, SDG 9, and SDG 10, as the seven important Sustainable Development Goals on the basis of their major contribution during the pandemic situation. mAdhaar, mHealth, Umang App, Direct Benefit Transfer, ePathshala, Ayush Mobile Application, FinTech, etc. are the government initiatives in mobile communication domain in India. The present study has explored the benefits and challenges in context to mobile communication relating to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The findings of the study state that ease of using mobiles for payments, digital identification by using Adhaar, mobile health facilities, and educational technologies are the benefits of using mobile as communication tool. However, the study indicates security and privacy, network coverage, differences in rural and urban digital literacy, and cultural acceptance as challenges to mobile communication use. By exploring the potential use of mobile communication in relation to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, this paper provides valuable insights mentioning the future research work possibilities and scope of improvisation in mobile communication training and accessibility.