Importance
Computer literacy is essential in today’s world as critical services such as banking, health care and various government services have become digital
It ensures that individuals can access and use these services effectively, enhancing their quality of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of computer and Internet access, from ordering groceries and online education to managing banking and health-care services.
Recognising this, the Indian government launched the Digital India campaign in 2015 to transform the country into a digitally empowered society.
Moreover, computer education is increasingly being integrated into the formal education system — in schools from an early age.
Additionally, numerous skill development and vocational training programmes are focusing on enhancing computer literacy among youth and adults, mainly targeting underprivileged and marginalised communities to bridge the digital divide.
Challenges
As per the recently released NSS 78th round of the Multiple Indicator Survey, the computer literacy (defined as the ability to use a computer), stands at 24.7% among individuals aged 15 years and above
In rural areas, it is an increase from 11.1% to 18.1%, while in urban areas, it was 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 universalise 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.
It peaks among individuals aged 20-24 years, reaching 45.9%, and declines to its lowest point among the oldest age group of 65-69 years, at 4.4%.
Even among the youngest age cohorts, computer literacy has not reached 50%
Given that individuals aged 20-39 years are typically in the midst of their careers or job searching, representing a middle-aged population, it is noteworthy that their computer literacy rate stands at just 34.8%
Further, there is significant variation in computer literacy for this particular age group across the various States of India.
Among individuals aged 20-39 years across States shows a striking 55.1 percentage point gap between Kerala (72.7%), and Assam, where only 17.6% possess computer skills in this age group
Given that computer literacy is pivotal to the social and economic development of States, the lower rates in economically backward States exacerbate their disadvantage in benefiting from modern development
One reason for computer illiteracy could be that many schools and colleges across India lack the necessary infrastructure and qualified teachers to impart adequate computer training
Computer literacy exacerbates socio-economic inequalities by creating a digital divide and a skill gap, leading to unequal job market opportunities
Way forward
Schools should equip students with computer skills that will allow them to fully participate in our rapidly changing economies.
The government should allocate resources towards the training of computer personnel and ensure sufficient staffing levels.
Additionally, for the older population outside the formal education system, targeted programmes are essential.
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