2011 · Paper V · 10 marksFrequently asked

Write on (i) Communications and remote sensing (ii) Influence of Information Technology on Indian Rural Sector.

In short

Communications and remote sensing, led by ISRO's Bhuvan portal and 473 Village Resource Centres, support crop insurance, flood assessment and watershed planning in rural India. IT has transformed the rural sector through eNAM, telemedicine, digital land records and BharatNet, though only 28% of rural women use the internet.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Communications and remote sensing technologies are pivotal in rural India’s development, improving agriculture, governance, and service delivery. These technologies help bridge the urban-rural divide, enabling better resource management and enhancing livelihoods for over 65% of the population living in rural areas.
Institutional Framework and Capacity
•

ISRO’s Remote Sensing Applications

ISRO’s Bhuvan portal aids flood damage assessment and precision agriculture, supporting schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana1 (PMFBY). It also facilitates data-driven decision-making in rural resource management.

•

Digital Infrastructure2 Expansion

BharatNet has connected over 2.15 lakh Gram Panchayats with optical fibre, enhancing internet access in Andhra Pradesh and facilitating e-governance. This connectivity supports Village Resource Centres that empower rural communities with geospatial data and digital services.

Sectoral Outcomes and Challenges
•

Agricultural Market Access and Healthcare

eNAM enables farmers in Andhra Pradesh to access real-time prices and connect directly with markets, improving incomes. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission extends healthcare via telemedicine and digital health records, increasing access in remote villages.

•

Digital Divide and Infrastructure Gaps

Rural internet penetration is 60.46%3, with only 28% of rural women online; power supply and digital literacy remain challenges in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, limited last-mile connectivity and gender disparities restrict the full benefits of IT in rural empowerment.

Way Forward
•

Promote Digital Literacy

Target women and marginalized groups in rural Andhra Pradesh through focused programs like PMGDISHA to bridge the digital divide and enhance inclusive participation.

Conclusion
Strengthening digital access and skills is essential for sustainable rural transformation, enabling improved agriculture, governance, and social services that drive inclusive growth.

This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Hand-drawn diagram: From satellites to rural growth. From satellites to rural growth. Flow: Remote sensing data → Better agricultural data → Crop insurance and market access → Rural economic growth
Diagram: From satellites to rural growth

Practise this question

  1. 1Get the answer sheet

    Sized for this question.

  2. 2Write your answer

    Timed, by hand.

  3. 3Get it marked

    Your score and what to fix.

Share this questionWhatsAppTelegramXLinkedIn

This chapter in the exam

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)24 questions

Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
2
2011
2
2012
3
2016
4
2017
3
2020
3
2023
4
2025
3

Most tested: E-governance and digital public service delivery

All 24 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.

Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2011 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

Ghissu

OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·
OUTWORK·
OUTTHINK·
MASTER THE SYSTEM·