The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM), also known as Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA), aims to empower one member of each family with digital skills by 2020. It is a transformative initiative to enhance digital literacy across the nation. Recognizing the importance of digital skills in today’s technology-driven world, NDLM aims to empower citizens, particularly those from marginalized and underserved communities, by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape.
The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) seeks to provide IT training to 5.25 million individuals, including Anganwadi and ASHA workers, to enhance participation in democratic processes and improve livelihood opportunities, aligning with the government’s “Digital India” vision for over 250 million citizens.
Objectives of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) aims to build a strong foundation for digital education in India, helping the country lead in the global digital economy. NDLM objectives include:
- Training rural communities to become digitally literate.
- Providing rural areas with access to information that boosts their economic, cultural, and social well-being.
- Helping rural citizens use digital tools to improve their lives.
- Setting up digital data centers in rural areas to support economic growth.
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Vision of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The Government of India’s vision for the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) is to collaborate with stakeholders to digitally empower Panchayat constituencies. By focusing on IT education and women’s empowerment, the initiative aims to address key issues related to:
- Social inclusion
- Empowerment
- Education and employment opportunities
- Social governance
Levels of Training in National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The NDLM scheme has two levels of IT training with the following key objectives:
Level 1: Appreciation of Digital Literacy: To equip individuals with basic IT skills, enabling them to operate digital devices like mobile phones and tablets, send and receive emails, and search the internet for information.
Level 2: Basics of Digital Literacy: In addition to advanced IT skills, citizens will be trained to effectively access various e-governance services provided by the government and other agencies.
Eligibility for National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The eligibility criteria for NDLM are as follows:
Level 1 Examination:
- The individual must be non-IT literate or illiterate.
- The individual should have completed up to the 7th standard.
Level 2 Module and Examination:
- The individual must be non-IT literate.
- The individual should have completed at least 8th standard.
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Eligibility to Become a Training Partner in NDLM
Here are the eligibility requirements to become a training partner in NDLM:
- The partner must be registered in India and have at least 3 years of experience in IT literacy and education.
- The partner must have a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and audited financial statements for at least 3 years.
- The partner should have clear processes, procedures, and well-defined objectives that encompass IT literacy training and education.
- The partner must be legally registered under any applicable law in India.
Documents for National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The necessary documents for the NDLM scheme include:
- Aadhaar Card
- BPL Card issued to the family (for general candidates)
- Official Identity Card provided by the government (for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and ration shop dealers)
- Caste Certificate (for applicants under the reserved quota)
National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) Course Structure
The table below shows the course structure offered by the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM):
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appreciation of Digital Literacy (Level 1) | 2 Weeks (20 Hours) | Literate and up to 7th standard Pass (Age 14 to 60 Years) | ₹ 125/- |
| Basics of Digital Literacy (Level 2) | 4 Weeks (40 Hours) | Literate and at least 8th standard Pass (Age 14 to 60 Years) | ₹ 250/- |
Appreciation of Digital Literacy (Level 1)
| MODULE NO. | MODULE NAME | Learning Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction to Digital Devices | 2 |
| 2. | Operating Digital Devices | 4 |
| 3. | Introduction to the Internet | 2 |
| 4. | Communications using the Internet | 6 |
| 5. | Applications of Internet | 6 |
| Total | 20 Hrs. |
Basics of Digital Literacy (Level 2)
Essential Modules:
| Module No | Module Name | Learning hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introduction to Digital Devices | 2 |
| 2. | Operating Digital Devices | 4 |
| 3. | Accessing Government Services | 6 |
| 4. | Safety and Security in Digital Technology | 4 |
| Total | 16 Hrs. |
Optional Modules:
| Module No | Module Name | Learning hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Word Processing | 6 |
| 2. | Spread Sheet | 4 |
| 3. | Presentations | 4 |
| 4. | Basic Use of Multimedia | 6 |
| 5. | Introduction to the Internet | 2 |
| 6. | Communications using the Internet | 6 |
| 7. | Applications of Internet | 6 |
| Optional Modules – Total | 34 Hrs. | |
| Total Learning Hours Available | 50 Hrs. | |
| Minimum Learning Hours Required for Level 2 | 40 Hrs. |
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Stakeholders of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The National Digital Literacy Programme involves several key stakeholders, each contributing to its overall mission:
Panchayat Committees:
Panchayat Committees play a crucial role in the National Digital Literacy Programme by collaborating with various stakeholders to promote digital literacy within their constituencies. Their involvement is essential in demonstrating how digital literacy can enhance social inclusion, employment, governance, education, and empowerment at the grassroots level.
Intel Corporation:
Intel Corporation is a significant stakeholder in the NDLM, with a primary focus on educating at least one person per household in digital literacy. Intel’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering a digitally literate society, which is vital for India’s broader digital economy goals.
BBNL (Bharat Broadband Network Limited):
BBNL, established as a Public Sector Undertaking in 2012, plays a pivotal role in implementing the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) project. The initiative aims to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-speed internet using optical fiber. BBNL collaborates with organizations like RailTel, PGCIL, and BSNL, with funding from the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), to lay the groundwork for widespread digital connectivity.
Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF):
The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) is dedicated to uplifting communities through the use of information and communication technology. DEF collaborates with BBNL and BSNL to support the National Digital Literacy Mission, particularly in rural areas, by promoting digital literacy and ensuring that the infrastructure laid out by BBNL is effectively utilized for educational and economic development.
Areas Covered Under National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
Areas covered under NDLM are:
| Areas | Number of Individuals Covered | Profession of the Individuals |
|---|---|---|
| North Tripura – Naogang, Panisagar | 280 individuals | Farmers & fishermen |
| Rajasthan – Arain, Ajmer | 250 individuals | In different disciplines |
| Andhra Pradesh – Muthyalammapalem, Vizag | 453 individuals | Fishermen |
NDLM has subdivided the mission into three segments depending on population and planned to take up the following states:
| Category | States | Students |
|---|---|---|
| A | Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana), Gujarat and Karnataka | 3,10,000 |
| B | Odisha, Kerala, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Assam, NCT of Delhi, Punjab and Chhattisgarh | 1,10,000 |
| C | Himachal Pradesh, Daman & Diu, Tripura, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Puducherry, Manipur, Chandigarh, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Dadar & Nagar Haveli | 36,666 |
Benefits of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) is a transformative initiative that aims to empower citizens with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world, thereby enhancing their quality of life and contributing to the nation’s overall development.
- Empowerment of Citizens: By becoming digitally literate, citizens can access various services, including government schemes, health information, and educational resources.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: NDLM helps reduce the gap between urban and rural areas in terms of access to digital technologies and the internet.
- Economic Growth: Digital literacy can lead to increased employment opportunities and entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth.
- Social Inclusion: Promotes inclusion by enabling individuals from all walks of life to participate in the digital economy and society.
- Enhanced Governance: Facilitates better governance by making it easier for citizens to interact with government services and processes digitally.
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