From accessing government services to conducting financial transactions, digital skills play a vital role in empowering individuals. However, many people, especially those living in rural areas, still face challenges when it comes to using digital devices. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) aims to bridge this gap by providing digital literacy training to rural citizens. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about this scheme, including its purpose, eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
What is PMGDISHA?
PMGDISHA, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan, is a digital literacy program launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The goal of this scheme is to make six crore rural citizens digitally literate by 2025. The program aims to reach about 40% of rural households by targeting one individual per household, thereby empowering them to use digital devices effectively.
Purpose of PMGDISHA
The main purpose of PMGDISHA is to empower rural citizens, especially those from marginalized communities, by giving them the basic skills to use digital technology. With the world becoming increasingly connected through the internet, digital literacy has become essential for accessing essential services like banking, education, healthcare, and government schemes. Through this scheme, citizens will be able to:
- Send and receive emails
- Browse the internet
- Access government services
- Conduct digital payments
- Use digital lockers
- Search for information
- Participate in financial transactions online
PMGDISHA aims to bridge the digital divide by targeting those in rural areas, including SC/ST, BPL, women, differently-abled persons, minorities, and those from Antyodaya households.
Who Can Benefit from PMGDISHA?
The scheme is designed to target digitally illiterate individuals living in rural areas. However, there are specific eligibility criteria that one must meet to be considered for the training:
- Age: The beneficiary should be between 14 to 60 years of age.
- Digital Illiteracy: Only one person per eligible household will be considered. The selected individual should not have basic knowledge of using digital devices.
- Priority Categories:
- Non-smartphone users
- Antyodaya households (most deprived families)
- College dropouts
- Participants of the adult literacy mission
- Digitally illiterate school students from classes 9th to 12th who do not have access to ICT facilities in their schools
- SC/ST, BPL, women, differently-abled persons, and minorities
Benefits of PMGDISHA
The benefits of participating in this scheme extend beyond just basic computer skills. It empowers individuals to actively participate in society and the economy through digital literacy. Here are some key benefits of PMGDISHA:
1. Access to Government Services: Individuals can access key government schemes and services online. This includes applying for caste certificates, income certificates, domicile certificates, banking services, and more.
2. Financial Inclusion: The program enables participants to conduct cashless transactions using digital payment tools like UPI, eWallets, AEPS, and other payment modes. This fosters financial inclusion and makes it easier for people to engage in digital payments.
3. Empowerment of Marginalized Sections: The scheme focuses on empowering marginalized communities such as SC, ST, BPL, women, and differently-abled individuals by giving them access to technology and information.
4. Nation-Building: By making people aware of digital tools, they can participate in the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.
5. Bridge the Digital Divide: The scheme aims to reduce the digital gap between urban and rural populations.
6. Setting up Training Centers: Training centers will be established in Gram Panchayats to provide localized digital literacy. This will ensure that people in every corner of rural India have access to basic computer and internet knowledge.
7. Content in Multiple Languages: The digital literacy content will be made available in 22 scheduled languages, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for speakers of various regional languages.
8. Audio/Visual Content: For individuals who cannot read and write, audio, video, and touch-based content will be available to make learning easy and accessible.
Training Process and Course Outline
The digital literacy training under PMGDISHA consists of 20 hours of instruction. The training covers the following broad content areas:
- Introduction to Digital Devices: Learn how to use smartphones, tablets, and computers. This includes understanding basic functionalities like turning devices on and off, using touchscreens, and navigating menus.
- Operating Digital Devices: Explore how to perform basic tasks on these devices like making phone calls, sending messages, and storing files.
- Introduction to the Internet: Learn how to access the internet using mobile data or Wi-Fi, open a browser, and conduct simple online searches.
- Communications using the Internet: Understand how to send and receive emails, use social media platforms, and communicate through video calls.
- Applications of the Internet: This includes learning about government services, digital payment tools, online banking, rail bookings, insurance, recharge services, and more.
- Use of Digital Financial Tools: Understand how to carry out cashless transactions using UPI, eWallets, AEPS, Card payments, PoS machines, and other digital payment systems.
The content will also be delivered through mobile apps in 22 scheduled languages, making it easy to access and revise the material anytime.
Application Process
To enroll in PMGDISHA, the process is quite simple and takes place offline. The identification of beneficiaries is handled by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC-SPV), which collaborates with Gram Panchayats and Block Development Officers.
- Application: Individuals need to visit their nearest PMGDISHA Training Centre.
- Documents Required: Aadhaar Number and Proof of Age (such as school certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
- Enrollment: The list of eligible candidates will be available on the scheme portal.
- Unique Username and Password: Beneficiaries will receive a unique ID and password to access the training content.
Once enrolled, participants can attend physical classes or access the content through mobile apps for a more flexible learning experience.
Conclusion
PMGDISHA is a significant step towards creating a digitally empowered rural India. By providing basic digital literacy to marginalized communities, this scheme not only improves the quality of life but also fosters financial inclusion and social development. Whether it’s accessing government schemes, making cashless payments, or communicating digitally, PMGDISHA ensures that everyone, regardless of background or location, can benefit from the digital revolution.
If you know someone living in rural India who could benefit from this scheme, encourage them to apply and take advantage of this free digital literacy training.
FAQs for PMGDISHA
Who Can Be The Training Partners?
Training partners can be educational institutions, NGOs, private companies, and social enterprises that are registered with CSC-SPV and meet the scheme’s requirements.
What Is The Role Of A Training Partner Under The Scheme?
Training partners are responsible for identifying beneficiaries, setting up training centers, delivering the curriculum, and reporting progress to authorities.
What Is The Training Fee Under PMGDISHA?
The training is free of cost for eligible beneficiaries.
What Is The Payment Process For The Partners?
Payment is based on the number of beneficiaries trained successfully, and processed by CSC-SPV after training verification.
How Will The Partners Provide Training To The Candidates?
Training is provided through physical centers and digital platforms (including mobile apps), with a mix of in-person and online methods.
What Is The Duration Of The Training Program?
The training lasts for 20 hours, usually spread over several days or weeks.
How Will The Partners Receive My Login Credentials And How Will I Activate My Account?
Partners will receive login credentials from CSC-SPV, which will be shared with beneficiaries for access to course materials.
What Would Be The Tenure Of The Accreditation Of Training Partner?
The accreditation is typically valid for 3 years, after which performance is evaluated for renewal.
Is There A Limit To The Number Of States Wherein An Accredited Training Partner May Work Under PMGDISHA?
No, there is no limit. Partners can operate in any state where they meet the guidelines.
Who Should A Training Partner/Centre Contact If It Comes Across Any Challenges During The Implementation Of The Project?
Partners should contact CSC-SPV or DeGS for assistance with challenges.
Where Should An Organization Send In The Documents To Become A Training Partner/Training Centre?
Documents should be submitted to CSC-SPV for registration as a training partner or center.
Where Can I Check The Status Of My Payment?
Partners can check payment status through the CSC-SPV portal.
What Is The Process Of Payment For The CSC Centres?
Payments are made to CSC centers after verifying the successful completion of training programs, usually via bank transfer.