The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) is a flagship scheme aimed at imparting digital literacy to citizens in rural India, under the broader umbrella of the Digital India Mission. The initiative seeks to empower rural communities by equipping them with the skills to leverage technology for information, communication, accessing services, and improving their overall quality of life.
Objectives of PMGDISHA
- Universal Digital Literacy in Rural Areas: Target making 6 crore (60 million) adults in rural households digitally literate.
- Bridging the Gap: Address the digital divide between urban and rural India, enabling inclusive growth.
- Digital Empowerment: Enable rural citizens to actively use digital platforms for accessing government services, online banking, information, and educational resources.
- Skill Development: Foster digital skills for potential livelihood opportunities in the digital economy.
How PMGDISHA Works
- Training Partners: PMGDISHA is implemented through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and other designated training centers.
- Eligibility Criteria: Adults in rural areas who are non-literate in digital devices are the primary beneficiaries.
- Curriculum: The program covers basic computer usage, operating mobile devices, using the internet, accessing e-governance services, digital payments, and more.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of the training and an online assessment, beneficiaries receive a digital literacy certificate.
Impact of PMGDISHA
- Millions Trained: The scheme has made significant progress in training lakhs of rural citizens in digital skills.
- Empowerment Case Studies: Beneficiaries, especially women, are using their new skills to access government schemes, learn online, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
FAQs About PMGDISHA
- Who benefits from the scheme? It primarily targets citizens in rural areas (15- 45 years) who lack digital literacy.
- How to enroll in the training? Interested individuals can reach out to their nearest Common Service Centre or designated training centers.
MCQs
- The primary goal of PMGDISHA is to:
- A. Promote export of agricultural goods
- B. Eradicate rural poverty
- C. Promote digital literacy in rural India
- D. Construct modern airports
- Which of these is NOT typically covered in PMGDISHA curriculum?
- A. Using the internet
- B. Accessing government services online
- C. Digital payments
- D. Advanced robotics
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-D
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering rural citizens. By focusing on basic digital skills and its application, the scheme aims to create a more inclusive and digitally equipped rural India. Success hinges upon continuous expansion, ensuring the training quality remains relevant, and addressing the specific needs of rural communities to maximize the impact of digital literacy on their lives and livelihoods. PMGDISHA has the potential to unlock the transformative power of technology for India’s rural population.