The Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC.in), in its latest report “Let the Net Work 2.0”, has highlighted the crippling impact of internet shutdowns in Jammu & Kashmir. Despite the government taking efforts to accelerate J&K’s digital and economic growth framework, the region has seen the highest number of internet shutdowns in the last 13 years, at 434. This makes it impossible for seamless business operations, remote work, and larger economic growth in the region.
In 2023, J&K witnessed 13 internet shutdowns across different parts, cumulatively adding up to 435 hours of digital blackout. This resulted in huge economic loss for the, amounting to USD 8,598,324. While 2024 saw fewer shutdowns (only two instances totalling 44 hours and 20 minutes), the region faced a financial setback of USD 1,143,276. These figures reflect the devastating effect internet shutdowns have on entrepreneurs, e-commerce entities, freelancers, remote workers and small businesses that rely on digital connectivity.
&K’s entrepreneurs, who rely on digital platforms and inter-state/international trade, suffer repeated losses due to unpredictable shutdowns. Businesses dealing in handicrafts, saffron exports, and tourism services are unable to function efficiently in an economy that demands constant online presence to service potential customers. Even remote workers and freelancers are unable to work effectively. With a rise in online job opportunities after Covid-19, many in the State are working with companies located elsewhere. Frequent internet shutdowns make it difficult, putting them at a disadvantage compared to the other states in India.
The report maintains that these challenges are unfortunate, particularly because the government itself is actively working towards digitization in the State. It was only a couple years back that the government launched the Digital J&K Vision, where they are focusing on various aspects of digitization. Frequent internet shutdowns are in contradiction with this vision, as every time the internet is cut off the goals of digitization are in dissonance.
In its statement, SFLC.in stated that “Jammu & Kashmir has the potential to be a digital and economic powerhouse, but repeated internet shutdowns are cutting its entrepreneurs, students, and professionals off from progress. The contradiction between promoting Digital India and simultaneously shutting down the internet cannot be ignored. If we are serious about the economic progress of J&K and bridging the digital divide, we must start by ensuring uninterrupted digital access.”
True economic and digital integration is impossible while shutting down the internet. The government’s aim for Digital India, skill development for the digital age and other focus areas for the region cannot succeed if residents are routinely cut off from the internet. There is immense potential for J&K, but this requires stable and unrestricted access.
The Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC.in) is a non-profit organization committed to defending digital rights, internet freedom, and privacy in India. [KNT]
