Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA): Empowering Rural India

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) is a Digital Literacy Scheme by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to make six crore persons in rural areas, across States/UTs, are digitally literate, reaching around 40% of rural households by covering one member from every eligible household.
The Scheme is applicable only to rural areas of the country. Only one person (14 – 60 years of age) per eligible household would be considered for training. Priority would be given to Non-smartphone users, Antyodaya households, college drop-outs, and Participants of the adult literacy mission; Digitally illiterate school students from class 9th to 12th, provided facility of Computer/ICT Training is not available in their schools. Preference would be given to SC, ST, BPL, women, differently-abled persons, and minorities.

Objective:
PMGDISHA bridges the digital divide by enabling rural citizens, particularly non-smartphone users, BPL families, SC/ST candidates, and women, to become digitally literate. The scheme empowers participants with basic computer and smartphone skills, facilitating access to government services, digital payments, e-learning, and online banking.

Benefits of PMGDISHA Scheme

  • The scheme provides free digital literacy training to eligible individuals in rural India, helping them:
  • Operate Computers & Digital Devices – Learn to use smartphones, tablets, and computers.
  • Access the Internet – Learn email, web browsing, and government services.
  • Use Digital Payments – Learn UPI, e-wallets, PoS transactions, and cashless banking.
  • Understand Cybersecurity – Learn about safe browsing and fraud prevention.
  • Utilize Digital Citizen Services – Access e-governance services, UIDAI, IRCTC bookings, and utility bill payments.

Digital Literacy Training Program

  • Total Course Duration: 20 Hours (Flexible over 10-30 days).
  • Training Mode: Classroom sessions & hands-on practice.
  • Content Available in: 22 Indian languages for wider accessibility.

Topics Covered in the PMGDISHA Course

Module Topics Covered
Introduction to Digital Devices Understanding computers, smartphones, tablets
Operating Digital Devices Basics of using a keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen
Introduction to the Internet How to browse, search for information, and use government services
Communications using the Internet Email setup, sending emails, and social media basics
Applications of the Internet Accessing government schemes, Aadhaar services, digital banking, IRCTC bookings, and e-commerce

Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in the PMGDISHA scheme, applicants must:
Be a resident of rural India.
Be digitally illiterate (no prior computer training).
Be aged between 14 – 60 years.
Only one person per eligible household can apply.

Priority Given To:

Non-smartphone users, college dropouts, and Antyodaya households.
Digitally illiterate school students (Class 9th-12th) without computer labs in schools.
SC/ST, BPL families, differently-abled persons, and women.

Exclusions

Panchayats in urban areas or part of urban agglomerations are not eligible for this scheme.
Individuals who have already received formal computer training.

Application Process

Offline Enrollment at PMGDISHA Training Centers

  1. Visit the nearest PMGDISHA center in your village or district.
  2. Provide Aadhaar details & proof of age for verification.
  3. Enroll for the training program and receive a Unique Login ID & Password.
  4. Attend training sessions & complete the digital literacy course.
  5. Take the final assessment and receive a Digital Literacy Certificate upon passing.

Documents Required

Aadhaar Number (for identity verification).
Proof of Age / Date of Birth Certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Who is eligible for the PMGDISHA Scheme?
    Any rural Indian citizen aged 14-60 years, who is digitally illiterate, is eligible for training. Only one person per household can enroll.
  2. Is PMGDISHA training completely free?
    Yes, there are no fees for eligible participants under the PMGDISHA scheme.
  3. What will I learn in the PMGDISHA training program?
    Participants will learn basic computer operations, digital payments, online services, and cyber safety.
  4. Where can I enroll for the PMGDISHA course?
    You can visit your nearest PMGDISHA training center or check online for the enrollment process.
  5. Will I receive a certificate after completing PMGDISHA training?
    Yes! After passing the final assessment, participants will receive a Digital Literacy Certificate issued by the Government of India.
  6. Can I apply if I am a student?
    Yes! Students in Class 9th-12th from rural schools without ICT training facilities can apply.
  7. Are urban areas covered under this scheme?
    No, PMGDISHA is exclusively for rural areas. Urban panchayats and municipal regions are not eligible.
  8. Can women and differently-abled individuals apply?
    Yes! The scheme prioritizes women, differently-abled individuals, SC/ST communities, and BPL families.
  9. How can I check my enrollment status?
    Visit the PMGDISHA website and enter your Aadhaar number to check your registration and training status.

Sources & References

 PMGDISHA Official Guidelines

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