The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) is a digital literacy programme undertaken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It intends to make six crores of people from rural areas digitally literate, eventually reaching 40% of rural houses.
The scheme provides training to one person aged between 14 and 60 years in the eligible household, concentrating on non-users of smartphones, Antyodaya households, dropout college-going students, and adult literacy participants. In particular, SC, ST, BPL, women, differently-abled people, and other minorities are especially benefited.
Through this scheme, citizens are equipped to operate digital devices and access various government services by browsing the Internet with digital payment capabilities, thereby bridging the digital gap and empowering marginalized sections.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan: An Overview
PMGDISHA is an initiative taken by the government to enhance digital literacy in rural India. In 2017, This scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme aims to target citizens between 14 and 60 years old in rural areas, providing free training on basic digital skills, including internet usage, digital payments, and access to government services. The program will encourage rural residents and bridge the digital gap.
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan(PMGDISHA) |
| Launched In | 2017 |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Target Beneficiary | Rural Citizens Aged 14-60 Years Old |
| Aim | To Enhance Digital Literacy |
| Registered Beneficiaries Number | Over 6.3 Cr |
| Total Training Centres | Over 6.3 lakhs |
| Website | https://graminshiksha.com/ |
Also Read: PM SVANidhi Scheme | Rajasthan Berojgari Bhatta Yojana | Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana
Goals of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) scheme’s objective is to create awareness about digital literacy in rural India.
1) Digital Gap Bridge
The target beneficiaries of this scheme were the people from rural areas. This includes those who were backward like women, persons with disabilities, SC/ST and also BPL.
2) Acquisition of Skills
The scheme was to develop skilled talents to meet the needs of India’s growing digital economy.
3) Digital literacy
The scheme was to teach people how to use computers, tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices. how to send and receive emails, browse the internet, access government services, and conduct cashless transactions.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan: Eligibility Criteria
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan is for rural residents in the entire country.
Eligible Household
- An eligible house for the scheme is a unit of a family that includes the head of the family with his spouse, children and parents. A family with digitally illiterate members are eligible.
- Only one member per eligible household will be eligible for training.
Age Group
- The applicant must be aged between 14 to 60 years.
Priority Eligibility
- Non-smartphone users
- Antyodaya households
- College drop-outs
- Participants of the Adult Literacy mission
- Digitally illiterate students from classes 9th to 12th, where computer/ICT training is not available in their schools.
Preference Given to
- SC, ST, BPL, women, differently-abled persons, and minorities.
- Beneficiary Identification:
- Applicants will be recognised through active cooperation between CSC-SPV, Gram Panchayats, DeGS, and Block Development Officers (BDOs)..
- Beneficiaries will be made available on the scheme portal.
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Document Required For PMGDISHA
- Aadhaar card
- Identification card
- Age certificate
- Contact details
- Passport size picture
How To Apply and Register For PMGDISHA?
Online Application
- Visit the official website of PMGDisha.
The homepage will open on your screen.
- On this page, click on Direct Candidate Login.
- A new page will appear on the screen, click on the Register button.
- Now, on the registration page, enter your UIDAI Number, Gender, Student name, and Date of Birth and then click on the agree option.
- After all this, click on the Add button.
Offline Application
- CSC e-Governance Services India Limited would identify beneficiaries under the Scheme. It would work hand in hand with DeGS, Gram Panchayats, and Block Development Officers. There would be a beneficiary list in the scheme portal.
- The eligible person should apply at any nearest PMGDISHA training Centre using his or her Aadhaar (UIDAI) number. Each beneficiary would have a unique Username and Password.
PMGDISHA Login Process
- Visit the official portal of PMGDisha.
- The homepage will open on your screen.
- On this page, click on the Login tab.
- A new page will appear on the screen where you enter your Username and Password.
- At last click on the Login button.
Working of PMGDISHA
The PMGDISHA program is systemic in functioning so that training and implementation take place correctly among rural citizens.
1. Registration and Enrollment
This training can be enrolled at the Common Service Centers. There are delivery points that do it. It is really simple, and one can even enrol in person from the centres.
2. Module Training
After registration, the students go through modules of training equip them with fundamental digital skills.
- Computer Literacy: An overview of the computer, operating systems, and software.
- Smart Phone Usage: How to use a smartphone, apps, and browse the internet.
- Digital Communication: Emailing and sending messages through messaging apps
- Government Services: All digital services of various government schemes like PM Kisan, Aadhaar-linked services, and the rest.
- Digital Payments: How to use online banking and digital payment systems such as UPI.
3. Training Time
- Total hours for the course are 20. The maximum period allowed for course completion is 30 days.
4. PMGDISHA Certification
- After this training, the candidates would be tested on their skills in digital literacy and then, if they pass through, would be awarded certificates as proof of digital literacy.
Importance of PMGDISHA in Rural India
For instance, the poor access to technology in India pertains to its rural settings. Infrastructural development in the same is poor, with low levels of education in rural setups, and most of the rural folks do not expose themselves to digital resources. The PMGDISHA project tackles these particular challenges.
1. Digital Literacy for the Rural Citizen
Digital literacy opens up new world opportunities for rural citizens. This is because PMGDISHA equips the necessary skills to navigate through a smartphone, computer, and the internet. These enable a person to engage in digital transactions, access e-governance services, and participate in the growing digital economy.
2. Easy Access to Government Services
With the growing need in India to digitalize many sectors, the government has progressively rolled out many service subsidies to pension and financial support services to online platforms. PMGDISHA ensures that all people in rural areas with easy access to these fundamental services.
3. Rising Financial Inclusion
With PMGDISHA, the rural citizen is enabled to use digital banking services, such as online transactions, mobile banking applications, and e-wallets. This way, they get an opportunity to take proper care of their finances, giving them a better ability towards financial inclusion in rural areas.
4. Encouraging Economic Development
With the arrival of digitalization, earning is wide in scope. PMGDISHA makes it possible for rural people to explore business opportunities in the online space, freelancing, and digital marketing that boosts economic activities in rural India.
5. Education and Awareness
Digital literacy is in direct proportion to education. PMGDISHA makes available online educational resources, skill development courses, and training programs that enhance rural people’s knowledge and skill levels.
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FAQs About PMGDISHA
Who is eligible for PMGDISHA?
Ans. Any individual aged between 14 and 60 years from a rural area who does not possess digital literacy can become a part of the course. The scheme is targeted at people from the economically backward sections of society.
Are there any charges for training in PMGDISHA?
Ans. The training under PMGDISHA is free of cost, and all expenses are provided by the government. The government bears the expenses for any kind of training.
How can I become a beneficiary of PMGDISHA?
Ans. You can register for the program at your nearest Common Service Center (CSC). The CSC officials will guide you in the registration process.
What skills are provided through PMGDISHA?
Ans. Training includes basic digital literacy such as computer operation, internet surfing, digital communication, online access to government services and digital payment systems.
How long is the training taken under PMGDISHA?
Ans. The training usually takes up about 20 hours usually spread over a few weeks. The length may vary with the pace of the learner.
Is there any certificate issued at the end of the training?
Ans. Yes, upon successful completion of the training and the assessment, participants receive a certificate that proves their digital literacy.
