6.39 Crore Villagers Achieve Digital Literacy Under DISHA Initiative from 2017-2024: Jitin Prasada
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Over 6.39 crore individuals have received digital literacy under the PMGDISHA scheme from 2017 to 2024, enabling them to effectively use mobile technology, as stated by Jitin Prasada.
Key Takeaways
- 6.39 crore beneficiaries under PMGDISHA.
- 1.45 crore people in Uttar Pradesh trained.
- High mobile phone ownership in rural areas.
- Training for Anganwadi and ASHA workers.
- Survey confirms rise in digital engagement.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) An impressive 6.39 crore individuals received digital literacy between 2017 and 2024 through the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), empowering them to send messages and attach files on their mobile devices, as highlighted by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada.
The beneficiaries of the DISHA scheme also encompassed grassroots government officials, including Anganwadi and ASHA workers, along with licensed ration dealers, Prasada mentioned in a recent address in the Rajya Sabha.
He underscored the achievements of the initiative, noting that the highest number of 1.45 crore individuals in Uttar Pradesh received digital literacy training, followed by 74.12 lakh beneficiaries in Bihar.
Other significant states involved in the program included Maharashtra with 53.23 lakh beneficiaries, Madhya Pradesh with 50.69 lakh, and Rajasthan with 39.70 lakh beneficiaries, he stated.
According to a survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) from July 2022 to June 2023, approximately 78.4 percent of individuals aged 15-24 reported the ability to send messages—both email and SMS—with attached files such as documents, images, and videos.
The Minister further noted that the survey indicated that nearly 94.2 percent of rural households and around 97.1 percent of urban households own a telephone and/or mobile phone.
He stated that the PMGDISHA initiative officially concluded on March 31, 2024, following the survey’s confirmation of its objectives, which included increased smartphone usage, internet access, and digital engagement within rural communities.
Prasada added that 1.74 lakh Anganwadi workers, 54,329 ASHA workers, and 12,154 ration dealers were trained under the DISHA scheme.
Providing state-wise data, Prasada reported that the greatest number of 30,642 Anganwadi workers benefited in West Bengal, followed by 27,125 in Tamil Nadu and 18,630 in Uttar Pradesh.
He mentioned that the highest number of 8,223 ASHA workers benefited from the digital literacy initiative in Maharashtra, followed by 5,654 in Uttar Pradesh and 3,607 in West Bengal.
Additionally, the maximum number of 1,949 ration dealers benefited in Assam, followed by 1,938 in Chhattisgarh and 1,360 in Maharashtra, he concluded.
