Government's Digital Literacy Drive Empowers Over 4.78 Crore Rural Indians

The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan enrolled 7.35 crore candidates and certified 4.78 crore in rural digital literacy. The initiative includes training on devices, internet use, and digital transactions, with assessments by recognized certifying agencies. Content is available in multiple languages and modes.

A staggering 7.35 crore candidates were enrolled and 6.39 crore were trained under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, with 4.78 crore individuals earning certifications, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The scheme, aimed at promoting digital literacy in rural India, has shown significant impact.

The training, covering 20 hours, featured five critical modules: Introduction to digital devices, Operating digital devices, Internet basics, Online communication, and applying the internet for accessing public services and financial transactions. The material was made available in 22 scheduled languages and English, and could be accessed online or offline.

Focusing on cashless transactions, the program included modules on digital wallets, mobile banking, UPI, USSD, AEPS, and PoS. Post-training, recognized certifying agencies such as NIELIT, NIOS, CDAC, HKCL, and ICTACT conducted third-party assessments. Successful candidates received digitally signed certificates, uploaded directly to their Digi-Locker accounts.

Additionally, NIELIT, an autonomous body under MeitY, is extending skill development programs across the IT and electronics domains through 52 centres and over 9,500 facilitation centres, solidifying the government's commitment to digital empowerment, the minister said. (ANI)