States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra led with the highest trained candidates, achieving 74.12 lakh, 1.45 crore, and 53.23 lakh individuals respectively
New Delhi: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) was launched by the Government of India to promote digital literacy in rural India. The aim was to reach 6 crore rural households (one person per household) nationwide.
Particularly, PMGDISHA was meant to ensure digital inclusion for underserved groups such as SC/ST, women, and differently-abled individuals.
Digital literacy enables beneficiaries to perform cashless transactions, access online government services, and use IT tools to enhance livelihoods.
The scheme has ended, as against 6 crore, 6.39 crore individuals were trained across the country as on March 31, 2024. The State/UT-wise achievement is given at the bottom.
7.35 crore individuals enrolled, of which 6.39 crore were trained, and 4.78 crore certified.
The training program spanned 20 hours over 10-30 days, covering basics like device functionality, internet browsing, cashless payments, and online services. Priority was given to non-smartphone users, BPL households, and school dropouts.
States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra led with the highest trained candidates, achieving 74.12 lakh, 1.45 crore, and 53.23 lakh individuals respectively.
Smaller regions like Lakshadweep and Manipur had limited participation due to demographic constraints.
The 71st NSSO Survey (2014) revealed that only 6% of rural households owned computers, highlighting a massive digital divide.
MeitY, Government of India launched the India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS) and North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS) to create jobs and promote IT/ITES in small towns by offering financial support of up to ₹1 lakh per seat.
The schemes also provide incentives for promoting local entrepreneurs and hiring women and disabled individuals through BPO/ITES units across the country operating in States/UTs.
India’s Global Leadership in IT
India is the IT skills capital of the world. Stanford University has ranked India amongst the top 4 along with US, UK and China in Global and national AI vibrancy ranking based on 42 indicators.
Government of India has been taking steps to ensure that the country continues to retain our advantage in IT skills. MeitY has initiated a programme titled “FutureSkills PRIME”, jointly with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), aimed at re-skilling/ up-skilling of candidates in new/emerging technologies, namely, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, Additive Manufacturing/ 3D Printing, Cloud Computing, Social & Mobile and Cyber Security.
Further, under IndiaAI FutureSkills of India AI Mission, India AI fellowship is offered to B.Tech and M.Tech students of all the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) recognized engineering institutions.