Digital India Achieves Household Penetration: Economic Survey 2025-26 Reveals Nationwide Connectivity Milestone with Emerging Behavioral Concerns

The Economic Survey 2025-26 confirms that digital infrastructure has transitioned from aspirational policy to tangible household reality across India's diverse geographic and socioeconomic landscape. Analysis indicates this transformation is primarily driven by ubiquitous smartphone adoption and competitively priced internet services, effectively bridging the historic urban-rural digital divide. The report documents unprecedented connectivity levels, positioning digital access as a foundational element of contemporary Indian households. However, the survey simultaneously identifies a critical emerging challenge: escalating behavioral and public health risks associated with excessive online engagement, particularly among youth demographics. This dual narrative underscores a pivotal phase in India's digital evolution—where infrastructural success now necessitates parallel frameworks for digital wellness and responsible usage. The findings suggest that while technological access has been democratized, the next policy frontier involves mitigating the unintended consequences of hyper-connectivity to ensure sustainable digital citizenship.