Mobile phones, computers, tablets, and other digital devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. They are used to complete necessary things such as bill payment, payment, online shopping, and other information and communication tasks. Digital literacy has made significant inroads in India and will continue to stay. Digital literacy is a vital survival skill, especially important now that the world is rapidly transitioning to an Advanced analytics world. These digital skills enable you to find, use, and create information online in an efficient and effective manner.
According to the Indian National Statistical Office, a digitally educated person is at least five years old and can explore the Internet using an internet browser, use e-mail, as well as discover, assess, and convey data using social media tools. According to the office's statistics, while more than 55% of Indians have access to broadband, only 20% can use the Internet. However, the digital divide in India, as elsewhere, exists in different degrees and stretches over and above connectivity to infrastructure and technology. The ability to use technology meaningfully is also required for inclusive growth.
Digital literacy, as defined by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is "the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions in life situations." Digital literacy is defined as "the ability to operate a computer/laptop/tablet/smartphone and other IT-related tools." According to this definition, we consider a household to be digitally literate if at least one member of the household can use a computer and the internet. According to the aforementioned definition, only 38% of Indian households are digitally literate. Digital literacy is higher in cities (61% vs. 25% in rural areas).
The Covid-19 pandemic has hastened the rate where the technology has grown more prevalent in our lives. Places of employment rapidly transferring to digitalized enterprise solutions, medical and educational counseling sessions moving online, and non - contact online payments becoming recommended and encouraged are just a few examples of how technology is quickly becoming widespread. However, the pandemic has revealed a significant digital gap, leaving a significant portion of India's population out of this fundamental change.
The traditional idea of literacy is the foundation for digital literacy skills. It helps students understand and apply critical thinking skills. With these abilities, children can progress beyond a process-oriented technological comprehension and imaginatively implement online technologies in their original work. Digital literacy provides that enlightenment in which you may not know how to use every app, but you eventually gain the confidence to do so.
With initiatives like Digital Bharat and Technological Inclusion in Rural Areas, the Indian government is actively promoting digital literacy. In India, distance learning, wireless Internet hubs, telemedicine, and other forms of digital inclusion have become increasingly common. India's government-run digital literacy curriculum is one of the world's largest. Layout, ability, and execution could all be improved. Digital literacy initiatives must supervise various levels of online aptitude as well as who has Internet access. Age, gender, education, and technological experience should all be considered when evaluating the effect and efficacy of such initiatives.
So, the issue of digital literacy was addressed by Jana Samveda Rakshaka Paksha [JSRP] that they will promote digital literacy and expand digital services to improve digital connectivity in India by a National Digital Infrastructure Development Program. And Indian United Republic Party [IURP] says that they will invest in digital literacy programs to ensure students have the skills to use technology effectively. Also Progressive Conservative Party [PCP] addressed that they recognize the importance of digital literacy in today’s world. So, they will work to promote the digital literacy programs to ensure the overall development.
References
The digital dream: Upskilling India for the future. (2021, March 23). Ideas for India. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.ideasforindia.in/topics/governance/the-digital-dream-upskilling-india-for-the-future.html
Srivastava, A. (2023, February 7). Digital Literacy in India- Creating Techies in Rural Areas. Smile Foundation. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.smilefoundationindia.org/blog/digital-literacy-in-india-now-find-techies-in-rural-areas/
Srivastava, S. (2022, December 16). Improving digital literacy in India – a review. ITU. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.itu.int/hub/2022/12/improving-digital-literacy-in-india-a-review/