In the 21st century, India is undergoing one of the most rapid and expansive digital transformations in the world. From the ubiquitous UPI payments that have revolutionized commerce to the array of e-governance services available at a click, the nation is building a formidable digital public infrastructure. However, for the benefits of this digital revolution to be truly equitable and universal, the infrastructure must be complemented by human capability. A high-speed fiber optic cable reaching a village is of little use if the residents do not possess the skills to leverage it. This gap between digital access and digital ability is known as the “digital divide,” and it has been a major barrier to inclusive growth, often leaving rural communities behind.
To address this specific challenge and ensure that no citizen is left on the wrong side of the digital divide, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) on February 8, 2017. As one of the largest digital literacy programs in the world, PMGDISHA was conceived as a foundational pillar of the broader “Digital India” vision. Its mission is straightforward yet monumental: to impart basic digital literacy to crores of citizens in rural India, thereby transforming them from passive observers into active participants in the new digital economy.
Scheme Overview
- Launch Date: February 8, 2017
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Implementing Agency: CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under MeitY.
- Primary Target: To make one person digitally literate in every eligible rural household, with an initial goal of covering 6 crore (60 million) rural households.
The scheme’s definition of digital literacy is practical and functional. It is defined as the ability of an individual to operate digital devices like computers and smartphones, send and receive emails, browse the internet for information, undertake cashless transactions using digital payment systems, and avail various e-governance services. The objective is to equip individuals with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world confidently and safely.
Key Objectives of PMGDISHA
The mission is driven by a vision of empowerment and inclusion, with several key objectives:
- Digital Empowerment: The primary goal is to empower rural citizens by giving them the tools and skills to access information, education, healthcare, and financial services online.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: To specifically target the rural population and close the knowledge gap that exists between urban and rural India, ensuring that the fruits of technology reach everyone.
- Promoting Digital Financial Inclusion: A major focus is to train citizens in the use of digital financial tools like UPI, BHIM, and other mobile banking applications. This promotes a cashless economy and enhances financial transparency.
- Enhancing Access to E-Governance: To enable citizens to independently access and utilize various government services online, such as booking train tickets, paying utility bills, applying for certificates, and accessing land records, thereby improving service delivery and reducing dependency on intermediaries.
- Creating a Digitally Literate Nation: To build a foundation of digital literacy that will enable citizens to better participate in democratic processes, access better livelihood opportunities, and contribute to the nation’s overall economic growth.
Implementation and Training Module
The success of PMGDISHA hinges on its massive and decentralized implementation framework.
- The Role of Common Service Centers (CSCs): The scheme is implemented on the ground through the extensive network of Common Service Centers. These CSCs, which are present in almost every Gram Panchayat, act as the Training Centers where rural citizens can enroll and receive training free of cost.
- Beneficiary Eligibility and Identification: The scheme targets one person per eligible household. An eligible household is defined as one where no member between the age of 14 and 60 is digitally literate. The identification of the beneficiary is done by the CSC Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) with validation from the Gram Panchayat.
- The 20-Hour Curriculum: Every beneficiary undergoes a hands-on training program of at least 20 hours, spread over 10 to 30 days. The curriculum is designed to be simple, practical, and highly relevant to their daily lives. It typically includes modules on:
- Introduction to Digital Devices: Understanding the basics of a computer, tablet, and smartphone.
- Operating a Digital Device: Learning to switch on/off a device, use a mouse and keyboard, and navigate the user interface.
- Internet and Information: Using a web browser, navigating websites, and using search engines like Google to find information.
- Digital Communication: Creating an email account, sending and receiving emails, and using instant messaging apps.
- Digital Financial Services: A key module on conducting cashless transactions through platforms like UPI, BHIM, and other digital wallets.
- Accessing Citizen-Centric Services: Hands-on training on how to use popular e-governance portals and services.
- Assessment and Certification: Upon completion of the training, each beneficiary must undergo an online, automated examination. The exam is proctored to ensure authenticity. Those who pass the exam receive a nationally recognized certificate from the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT).
The Human Touch: A New Digital Dawn for Ramvati
Ramvati, a 50-year-old farmer and grandmother from a village in Haryana, had always viewed computers and smartphones as complex gadgets meant for her city-dwelling grandchildren. Her world was limited to her farm, her family, and the local market. When the local CSC operator encouraged her to join the free PMGDISHA class, she was hesitant, thinking she was too old to learn.
Persuaded by her daughter-in-law, she joined the class. The first few days were challenging, but with the patient guidance of the trainer, she slowly gained confidence. She was amazed when she first saw her village on a satellite map on the internet. The real breakthrough came when she was taught how to make a video call. That evening, she spoke to her son, who worked in another state, and saw his face on the screen for the first time in months. Her eyes filled with tears of joy. By the end of the course, Ramvati had learned to check daily crop prices online, watch new farming technique videos on YouTube, and use UPI to pay for seeds at the local store. The PMGDISHA training didn’t just teach her how to use a smartphone; it broke her isolation and connected her to a world of information and opportunities she never knew existed.
Impact and Challenges
PMGDISHA has made a significant impact on rural India, but the journey is not without its challenges.
- Achievements: The scheme successfully met its initial target of training and certifying 6 crore rural citizens, making it one of the largest digital literacy initiatives globally. It has played a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of digital payments in rural India and has empowered millions to access essential services online.
- Challenges:
- Infrastructure Gaps: The effectiveness of the training is often hampered by poor or unreliable internet connectivity and inconsistent electricity supply in many remote villages.
- Quality and Uniformity: Maintaining a consistent quality of training and infrastructure across more than 300,000 CSCs is a formidable logistical challenge.
- Device Accessibility: Even after becoming digitally literate, many individuals cannot practice or use their skills regularly because they do not own a personal smartphone or computer.
- Sustained Usage: The ultimate measure of success is not just certification but the continued and meaningful use of digital skills in daily life. Encouraging this sustained engagement is the next big step.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) is a powerful testament to the understanding that true digital inclusion is about people, not just technology. By investing in the digital skills of its rural citizens, the government has laid a critical foundation for a more equitable and empowered society. The scheme has demystified technology for millions, transforming it from an object of intimidation into a tool of empowerment. While infrastructure and access challenges persist, PMGDISHA has successfully ignited a spark of digital curiosity and capability across the Indian countryside, ensuring that as India marches forward into its digital future, no one is left behind.