• Rayudu Ravi Kumar

'The government's vision to transform India into a self-reliant and developed economy by 2047(Viksit Bharat) marking its 100th independence year anniversary can only be realised by tapping the potential of rural India. The goal of a developed India cannot be possible without the upliftment of rural India-"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas(Together with all, Development for all)".Rural India faces persistent challenges of unemployment and underemployment, with limited access to markets and skills hindering economic growth. Digital literacy and technological integration are pivotal for sustainable rural development in India, addressing persistent challenges such as underemployment, poverty, and economic stagnation. This study explores the potential of digital literacy, e-commerce adoption for rural artisans, and Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in agriculture to enhance employment generation, skill development, and economic diversification. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research analyzes secondary quantitative data on job creation estimates, digital access, and poverty metrics, complemented by qualitative thematic coding of academic studies and government reports. Findings indicate that IoT and AI could generate over 3.5 million jobs in rural agriculture, while e-commerce platforms empower artisans by providing direct market access, circumventing exploitative middlemen. However, the digital divide—driven by poverty , low rural literacy , and infrastructure deficiencies remains a significant barrier. The study recommends strengthening digital literacy initiatives like PMGDISHA, enhancing rural connectivity through BharatNet, and providing institutional support for artisans via e-commerce training. It also advocates prioritizing the handicraft sector in policy and expanding public-private partnerships to bridge access gaps. This research underscores digital inclusion as a cornerstone of rural empowerment, urging sustained efforts to overcome the digital divide and foster inclusive economic growth in rural India.

Digital literacy, e-commerce, rural employment, Rural India.

"The Role of Technology in Unlocking Rural Potential", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.413-419, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06080.pdf

"The Role of Technology in Unlocking Rural Potential", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pp413-419, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06080.pdf