So recently (yesterday, 5th July 2024) I stumbled upon this news article from the "The Hindu Newspaper" from the "Editorial Section" titled "Computer literacy in India needs a reboot", the article explores the critical role of computer skills in accessing digital services and enhancing quality of life in India. It also highlights disparities across age groups and regions, it underscores initiatives like Digital India Campaign and educational reforms. The article advocates for targeted programs to equip all demographics with essential computer literacy, aiming to reduce socio-economic disparities and foster inclusive growth.
I found this article engaging so I thought let's share the article in the form of notes.
Computer Literacy & Significance
Computer literacy is defined as the ability to use a computer & technology efficiently.
Critical for accessing digital services in banking, healthcare, and government.
Enhances quality of life by enabling effective use of technology.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of necessity of computer and internet access for services like grocery ordering, online education, banking and healthcare etc.
Digital India Campaign
The Indian government launched the Digital India Campaign in 2015 to transform the country into a digitally empowered society.
Education and Training Initiatives
Computer education is now increasingly being integrated into the formal education system- in schools from an early age.
Skill development and vocational training programs targeting underprivileged and marginalized communities.
Data
NSS 78th Round Multiple Indicator Survey (2020-21):
Computer literacy is defined as the ability to use a computer & technology efficiently.
Literacy among individuals aged 15+ increased from 18.4% in 2017-18 to 24.7% in 2020-21 overall.
Rural areas saw an increase from 11.1% to 18.1%, urban areas from 34.7% to 39.6%.
These figures are cause for concern and cast a shadow over the nation's digital aspirations. Unless there are serious measures to universalize digital literacy, rural India's population, which is nearly 70%, will face significant disadvantages.
More importantly, given the government's aim to provide various public services through digital technology, a significant portion of the population will remain excluded.
Disparities in computer literacy:
The proportion of computer literate individuals varies across age groups in India. The survey reveals that computer literacy diminishes with age, with higher rates observed among younger demographics.
Overall computer literacy rate of 24.7% exhibits significant inequality among age groups.
Higher literacy rates among younger age groups (20-24 years at 45.9%) and lower among older groups (65-69 years at 4.4%).
Given that individuals aged 20-39 years are typically in the midst of their career and job searching. It is noteworthy that their computer literacy rate stands just at 34.8%
Analysis of computer literacy rates among individuals aged 20-39 years across states shows a striking 55.1 % point gap between Kerala (72.7%), and Assam, where only 17.6% possess computer skills in this age group.
Economically disadvantaged States such as:
Assam: 17.6%
Bihar: 20.4%
Madhya Pradesh: 21%
Jharkhand: 21.29%
Uttar Pradesh: 22.9%
Odisha: 25.1%
Chhattisgarh: 26%
Rajasthan: 27.6%
Computer literacy is pivotal to the social and economic development of states, the lower rates in economically backward states exacerbate their development. A failure to address this divide will only widen the development gap across Indian states. Bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth necessitates sustained efforts by government, private sector and civil society stakeholders.
Key Issues:
Many schools and colleges lack necessary infrastructure and qualified teachers for computer training.
Results in significant deficiencies in computer literacy among students and graduates.
Computer education is part of the curriculum, but there are gaps in access and instructional standards.
Need to prioritize computer literacy within the education system.
Computer illiteracy due to lack of motivation or limited access to resources.
Older demographics often exhibit less enthusiasm in adopting new technologies.
Consequences of Computer Illiteracy:
Limits job prospects and employment opportunities.
OECD's (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) & PIAAC (The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) survey (2014-15): 52.9% employment rate for those without computer skills vs. 72.7% for those with basic skills.
Studies show a positive correlation between computer skills, employability, and productivity.
Leads to social isolation and financial exclusion from online transactions and services.
Restricted access to information and resources.
Exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, creating a digital divide and skill gap.
Unequal job market opportunities and barriers to personal and professional development for those lacking computer skills.
Focus Areas for Improvement:
Equip students with computer skills to participate in the digital economy.
Ensure all graduating students possess computer literacy skills to bridge the digital divide.
Targeted programs to improve computer literacy among older individuals.
Involve local governing bodies and NGOs to reach and empower this demographic.
Allocate resources for training computer personnel and ensuring sufficient staffing.
Conduct thorough reviews of computer literacy programs.
Develop strategies to achieve higher literacy rates and reduce disparities.
Challenges and Disparities:
Significant disparity in computer literacy levels and distribution across states.
Digital divide between economically prosperous and disadvantaged states.
Digital divide hinders inclusive growth and development opportunities for large segments of the population.
Recommendations:
Focus on improving infrastructure and training for teachers.
Enhance the quality of computer education in schools.
Government should play an active role in funding and supporting computer literacy initiatives.
Collaboration with local bodies and NGOs to implement targeted programs for older populations.
Continuous review and development of strategies to improve computer literacy.
Address disparities to ensure equitable access to digital skills for all segments of the population.
Thank you for reading !!!
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