Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharata Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)

The 71st Survey on Education 2014 indicated that only 6% of the 16.85 crore rural households have a computer. It opines that a significant number of these households are likely to be digitally illiterate. This is an essential scheme that the government launched in order to improve digital literacy in the country. This topic is important for aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam. The aspirants can use this topic in UPSC Mains and can expect a question in UPSC Prelims as well. Other Government Exam aspirants can also find this useful under the topic of Government Welfare Schemes.

PMGDisha – Indian Polity Notes:- Download PDF Here

What is PMGDisha Scheme?

In order to impart digital literacy to the people in the rural areas free of cost, a digital literacy programme named Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharata Abhiyan was launched by the Government of India. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharata Abhiyan is also popularly known as PMGDisha. Under the programme, the citizens in rural areas would be taught to operate a computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. The knowledge of accessing the government services with the help of the internet, undertaking digital payments, writing and receiving emails, browsing the internet, searching for information, etc. would be imparted to the rural citizens.

PMGDisha is being implemented under the Digital India Programme.
It is one of the largest digital literacy programmes in the world.

Aim & Advantages of PMGDisha

The programme aims at providing access to education, knowledge, healthcare and information to the rural citizens.

Digital literacy in rural areas would open up avenues for the generation of livelihood activities.
It would promote financial inclusion through digital payments and bridge the digital divide persistent in rural areas.
Due to the application of digital payments, the government can benefit by saving funds which would have been otherwise invested in old school methods of transactions.
Use of digital payments has a direct impact on GDP. If utilized well, PMGDisha will help significantly in improving the GDP.

PMGDisha Eligibility Criteria

The Scheme is applicable only for rural areas of the country:

The beneficiary should be Digitally Illiterate.
One person from a household, aged between 14 to 60 years of age will be imparted training.
Preference is given to the marginalized sections of society like the divyangs (differently-abled), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities, Below Poverty Line families, etc.

PMGDisha Training Partners

The Scheme envisages affiliating entities like NGOs/Institutions/Corporates desirous of providing digital literacy training, as Training Partners with Common Service centre- Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC-SPV) subject to meeting prescribed norms.

UPSC Questions related to PMGDisha Scheme

How does PMGDisha implementation affect the GDP of India?

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharata Abhiyan scheme was implemented in order to improve digital literacy in the country which will allow the population to use digital devices and indirectly use digital payment methods.
After the Indian Council For Research On International Economic Relations (ICRIER) did a survey, they found out that by 10% increase in the use of mobile phones or devices, the GDP would increase by 1.2%.
Similarly, with an increase in the use of a broadband connection by 10%, we could see a rise in GDP by 2.7%.
GDP would grow significantly by 3.2%; if all the government services are provided digitally or through mobile phones.

Who are the beneficiaries of PMGDisha Scheme?

The scheme aims at imparting digital training to one person from each household. The beneficiary can be anyone aged between 14 to 60 years. However, preference is given to the digitally illiterate persons from marginalized sections of the society like the divyangs (differently-abled), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities, Below Poverty Line families, etc.

What is CSC?

The Common Servicer Centre academy will be providing courses for PMHDisha through CSR Activities in order to improve digital literacy.
Basic computer course(BCC) offers basic computer training to equip a person to use computers in day-to-day life for professional and personal use which will benefit the user and apply the following skills:
- Acquire confidence in using computer techniques available to users
- Recognize the basic components of computers and terminology
- Understand data, information and file management
- Create documents using Word Processor, Spreadsheet & Presentation Software
- Browse the internet, search information, use email and collaborate with peers
- Use e-Governance applications
- Use the computer to improve existing skills and learn new skills.