Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)

Another vital initiative taken by the Government of India to give a push to the concept of digital literacy in the villages is the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan. Under Digital India, PMGDISHA will offer fundamental knowledge of digital literacy to the rural population. This becomes an important step towards the elimination of the digital divide for the development of the country.

It would be implemented in rural areas throughout the country. At most, only one person (preferably of age 14 – 60) per eligible household would be considered for training. If their school does not have a computer/ICT training center, priority will be given to non-phone users, Antyodaya families, schools with limited facilities, and participants of the Literacy Mission for Adult Language Impaired Learners from grades 9 to 12.SCs, STs, BPL, women, differently-abled persons, and minorities shall be accorded preference.

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Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Beacon of Digital Transformation

PMGDISHA has come as a “ray of hope” and advancement in the process of digital empowerment of rural India. The scheme is changing lives, livelihoods, and communities by equipping citizens with proper skills and knowledge. While India is undertaking digital transformation, PMGDISHA would help to ensure that no one is left behind in the face of emerging cyber-age programs.

About The Scheme Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)

The Scheme is oriented to empower rural citizens by training them in the operation of computers or digital access devices like tablets, Smartphones, etc., sending and receiving e-mails, browsing the Internet, accessing Government services, searching for information undertaking digital payments, etc. Therefore, enables them to participate in the National development process by using information and relevant applications, especially digital payments. The Scheme thus bridges this gap by targeting more precisely the rural population and, of course, the marginalized sections of society, which include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, those below the Poverty Line, women, differently-abled persons, and minorities.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Objectives

The following are the main objectives of PMGDISHA:

a. Digital Literacy: At least a minimum level of digital literacy is to be made available to 6 crore rural citizens.

b. Awareness: To make people aware of digital tools and technologies.

c. Access: To facilitate digital access to services and resources.

d. Empowerment: In general, to empower rural people with the power of digital literacy and the process of using the digital interface for their good.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) Benefits

The Scheme is aimed at empowering the citizens in rural areas to learn the process of operating computers or digital access devices (like tablets, Smartphones, etc.), and send and receive e-mails, It enables them to use information technology and other applications, especially digital payment, to contribute to the development of the country by surfing the Internet, accessing government services, searching for information, making digital payments, etc. The target of 200-300 beneficiaries per Gram Panchayat is fixed on average. The actual target for the Gram Panchayat shall be finalized by the District eGovernance Society chaired by the District Magistrate considering the size of the district, population, local requirements, etc.

Efforts would be made to provide full digital literacy to villages covered under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana. Setting up of the Training Centres in the identified District/Blocks/Gram Panchayats.

It will also provide delivery of content through mobile phones as an additional facility that a large number of neo-IT literates can use to refresh content learned during the physical training mode.

Key Components of PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan)

PMGDISHA will be built around a few key components to achieve its objectives effectively:

Training Programme: In fact, the Ultra of PMGDISHA is its training program where eligible individuals are provided with digital literacy training. This training shall provide for imparting digital skills like using computers, access to the internet, digital payment, and usage of various services of the government online.

Training Infrastructure: PMGDISHA will use existing systems in villages such as community service centers, schools, and other community settings to conduct training. It will let education reach every remotest region of rural India.

Certification: On completion of the training course and followed-up successful assessment, a certificate will be issued with a digital signature. Such a certificate will create job opportunities since any form of digital literacy is allowed.

Monitoring and Evaluation: A monitoring and evaluation system has been developed to track progress, measure impact, and improve during the implementation of PMGDISHA.

Process of Implementation

PMGDISHA(Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan)

implemented through a clear process involving the following stakeholders:

Identification of Beneficiaries: The target audience is based on criteria such as age, educational status, and socioeconomic status.

Registration: Targeted individuals get registered for the course through specially constructed registration centers or online web portals.

Training Delivery: The trained instructors execute the digital literacy training through a standardized teaching curriculum and materials. Practicality in training design ensures effectiveness in learning.

Assessment: Participants undergo some assessment at the end of training to check their competency in acquired digital skills. The nature of the assessment includes practical tasks and theoretical questions.

Certification: Passing this assessment awards the participant with a PMGDISHA certificate from the Government of India, validating their computer skills.

Impact of PMGDISHA(Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan)

PMGDISHA has taken long-strident steps towards empowering rural communities since its launch:

Increase in Digital Literacy, PMGDISHA has successfully trained millions of citizens of, increasing their digital literacy level. Participants come out with confidence to use digital technology for any purpose.

Particularly, the program has empowered women, especially in rural areas, by equipping them with digital skills, which ultimately improved their socio-economic outcomes, increasing their participation in digital initiatives.

Access to Better Services, Digital literacy allows rural citizens to access online services offered by the government, including health, education, agriculture information, and finance services. This enhances efficiency and transparency in service delivery.

Employment Opportunities, Digital literacy will open up an entire new range of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural areas. Such trained people look forward to getting employed in the e-commerce, data entry, digital marketing, and customer support sectors.

Community Development, PMGDISHA breeds the pool of digitally literate workers who can help further local developmental processes and take part effectively in the digital economy.

Challenges and Way Forward

Though PMGDISHA has been successful, several challenges stare in the face of it:

Infrastructure: The challenges for effective training, especially in remote areas, include the unavailability of reliable electricity, Internet connectivity, and digital devices.

Awareness and Participation: Today, even four years after the launch, the vast population is unaware of the gains of Digital Literacy. Participating share remains low for the marginalized communities.

Skill Enhancement: Since digital technology grows and develops with time, is important to keep in mind the need for continuous skill enhancement to keep pace with the mission.

Sustainability: During the period of LT isolation, it is necessary to plan how digital literacy measures will be rolled out and supported through the involvement of the wider community and the government working with other stakeholders.

“PMGDISHA is one of India’s most important initiatives to transform the rural population into a digitally literate population. A clutch of impacts of the scheme has already been realized through the millions of lives transformed and opportunities unlocked. With ever-increasing scale and reach, PMGDISHA is certain to form the bedrock that shapes a Digitally Inclusive and Prosperous Rural India.”

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan FAQ’s

Q- What is PMGDISHA?

Ans: PMGDISHA is an initiative to empower the rural population across the country under the Government of India’s Digital India program.

Q- Who can participate in PMGDISHA?

Ans: All illiterate rural adults above the age of 14 are allowed to register with PMGDISHA. It generally gives priority to women, SC/ST candidates, minorities, and the disabled.

Q- Is there any certification provided by PMGDISHA after training?

Ans: Yes, the (GOI) Government of India under the PMGDISHA will award a digitally signed certificate upon successful completion of the evaluation test in recognition of their digital literacy skills.

Q- How can I get enrolled in PMGDISHA?

Ans: Any willing candidate can register for PMGDISHA at designated registration camps, Common Services Centres, or through online registration portals. The Candidate needs basic personal information and fulfillment of eligibility criteria.

Q- Does PMGDISHA have any charge for it?

Ans: The PMGDISHA training is free of cost for all eligible citizens in rural areas. The government funds the training, assessment, and certification to attain the aim and accomplish the mission of digital literacy in rural India.

Q- How long is the PMGDISHA course?

Ans: The PMGDISHA training typically takes 20 to 30 hours and ten to fifteen days. This will also depend on the participant’s progress and his/her learning needs.