The World Computer Literacy Day (WCLD) was observed across the globe on 2nd December to raise awareness about the importance of digital skills and computer literacy in the modern technological world, especially for women and children.
- 2nd December 2024 marks the observance of the 24th WCLD
Significance:
i.The day promotes worldwide access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and seeks to enhance digital skills within different communities.
ii.It highlights the importance of including everyone by working to close the digital gap, particularly for women and children who often have limited access to technology.
Background:
i.WCLD was established to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) on 2nd December 2001, to bridge the global digital divide.
ii.The first-ever WCLD was observed on 2nd December 2001.
Digital Literacy Initiatives in India:
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA):
i.The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a Digital Literacy Scheme to make six crore people in rural areas digitally literate. The goal is to reach about 40% of rural households by teaching one person from each eligible household.
ii.Only one person aged between 14 and 60 from each eligible household will be selected for training.
iii.Priority will be given to non-smartphone users, Antyodaya households, college dropouts, participants in adult literacy programs, and school students in classes 9 to 12 without computer or ICT training at school.
iv.The Union Cabinet approved the initiative in February 2017 to promote digital literacy in rural India.
National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM):
The Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) or National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) Scheme aims to provide IT training to 52.5 lakh people, including Anganwadi and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, and authorized ration dealers across all States/UTs. It was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY).
The BharatNet Project:
i.The project is being carried out by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established on February 25, 2012, under the Indian Companies Act of 1956.
- On 25 October 2011, the Government of India approved the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) initiative, later renamed as BharatNet.
- On April 30, 2016, the Telecom Commission approved its implementation in three phases.
ii.It is a key part of India’s digital infrastructure. Its goal is to connect India’s 2.5 lakh gram panchayats (village councils) with high-speed internet, ensuring that even the most remote areas have broadband access.
Digital Literacy and Online Safety Programme:The National Commission for Women, in partnership with Facebook and the Cyber Peace Foundation (a civil society group from Ranchi, Jharkhand, focused on cyber security training), has started a ‘Digital Literacy Programme’ for college and university students.The program was launched on 18th June 2018 at Punjab University, Chandigarh.
About the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Pankaj Jathar
Headquarters – Gurugram, Haryana
Established – 1981
