World Computer Literacy Day is annually observed on December 2 to raise public knowledge of computers and encourage the development of technological skills, particularly among children and women in India.
- The day aims to promote digital literacy and raise awareness in underserved communities across the globe.
- 2022 marks the 22nd World Computer Literacy Day.
Background:
i. World Computer Literacy Day was established by an Indian computer company, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), in 2001 to mark NIIT’s 20th anniversary.
ii. The 1st World Computer Literacy Day was observed on 2nd December 2001.
Key Points:
i.NIIT and other organisations are utilising Computer Literacy Day to address the digital divide and give everyone access to technology.
ii. Members of Parliament underwent computer training in the presence of the then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and a unique postal envelope was given to symbolise the growth in computer literacy across India.
The Digital Literacy Initiative in India:
Digital India:
Digital India is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
- It was launched on 1st July 2015 by Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA):
i. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) initiative was launched by the Hon’ble Finance Minister’s declaration during the 2016–17 Union Budget to provide digital literacy in rural areas specifically.
- PMGDISHA would cover 6 crore people.
ii. PMGDISHA was approved by the Union Cabinet in February 2017 with the approved budget outlay of Rs 2351.38 crore.
Objective- The scheme aims to empower rural citizens by training them to operate a computer or digital access devices, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet, access Government services, search for information, etc.
Implementing Agency– Common Service Centres (CSC) e-Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) incorporated under the Companies Act 1956, (CSC-SPV) with the active collaboration of all the State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations
