The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 5th July 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Initiatives in Computer Literacy

• Digital India Campaign (2015): Launched by the Indian government to create a digitally empowered society.
• Integration into Education: Computer education is becoming part of the formal education system from an early age in schools.
• Skill Development Programs: Various programs aim to enhance computer literacy among youth and adults, focusing on underprivileged and marginalized communities to reduce the digital divide.

Recent Findings from NSS 78th Round (2020-21)

• Increase in Computer Literacy:
  • Overall: Computer literacy rose from 18.4% in 2017-18 to 24.7% in 2020-21 among individuals aged 15 and above.
  • Rural Areas: Increased from 11.1% to 18.1%.
  • Urban Areas: Increased from 34.7% to 39.6%.

Challenges and Concerns

• Digital Divide: Despite improvements, the figures are concerning for the nation’s digital ambitions.
• Rural Disadvantages: Nearly 70% of India’s rural population may face substantial disadvantages without significant efforts to universalize digital literacy.
• Exclusion Risk: A significant portion of the population risks being excluded from accessing various public services through digital technology due to low digital literacy.

Unequal Literacy Across Age Groups

• Age Disparity: Computer literacy varies significantly across different age groups in India.
  • Younger Demographics: Display higher rates of computer literacy.
  • Older Demographics: Display lower rates of computer literacy.
• Cohort Effect: Reflects the disparity in access to computer education between younger and older generations.

Computer Literacy Rates by Age Group

• Overall Rate: 24.7% among individuals aged 15 and above.
• Peak: 45.9% among individuals aged 20-24 years.
• Lowest: 4.4% among individuals aged 65-69 years.
• Career Age Group (20-39 years): 34.8%.

State-wise Variation in Computer Literacy (Age 20-39 Years)

• Kerala: 72.7%.
• Assam: 17.6%.
• Economically Disadvantaged States: Less than 30% proficiency.
  • Assam: 17.6%
  • Bihar: 20.4%
  • Madhya Pradesh: 21%
  • Jharkhand: 21.2%
  • Uttar Pradesh: 22.9%
  • Odisha: 25.1%
  • Chhattisgarh: 26%
  • Rajasthan: 27.6%

Impact and Challenges

• Digital Divide: Lower rates in economically backward states exacerbate their disadvantage.
• Infrastructure Deficiency: Many schools and colleges lack necessary infrastructure and qualified teachers.
• Older Age Groups: Computer illiteracy due to lack of motivation or access to learning resources.

Computer Literacy as a Necessity

• Employment Opportunities: Computer illiteracy restricts job prospects.
• Social and Financial Exclusion: Limits access to online transactions and information.
• Employer Demand: Increasing need for employees with computer skills due to AI advancements.

Research Findings

• OECD PIAAC Survey (2014-15): Employment rate is 52.5% for adults without computer experience, compared to 72.7% for those with basic computer skills.
• Gang Peng (2017): Computer skills enhance employability and worker productivity.
• Preston-Lee Govindasamy: Positive correlation between computer literacy, employment probability, and earnings.

Focus Areas for Improvement

• Schools: Equip students with necessary computer skills.
• Older Population: Targeted programs for computer literacy.
• Government and NGO Involvement: Collaboration with local governing bodies to empower older individuals.

Conclusion

Government should review existing programs and develop strategies to achieve higher literacy rates and reduce disparities.