Measuring digital literacy -Why India must measure digital literacy

Source: The post measuring digital literacy has been created on the article “Why India must measure digital literacy” published in “Indian express” on 20th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education

News: This article highlights the importance of digital technology in education and the need for youth to have digital skills for the future economy.

What is the current condition of youth education in India?

Increased Elementary Education Enrollment: The percentage of children aged 6-14 not in school dropped to 1.6% in 2022, showcasing significant progress in elementary education.

Slower Secondary School Transition: Despite the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan’s launch in 2009, the transition to secondary education has been gradual, with a decline in out-of-school children aged 15-16 from 16.1% in 2010 to 7.5% in 2022.

COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic led to extended school closures, affecting education, especially at the primary level.

Why should India measure digital literacy?

Supporting Educational Goals: With the increase in smartphone usage from 36% in 2018 to 74.8% in 2022, measuring digital literacy helps ensure that digital tools effectively support education.

Economic Development: As the World Development Report suggests, understanding digital literacy is crucial for realizing the potential of the digital dividend in economic growth.

Pandemic Recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of digital literacy for uninterrupted learning, making its measurement vital for educational resilience.

Future Workforce Preparedness: Accurate measurement of digital literacy is key to preparing India’s youth for a digital economy, ensuring they can contribute productively.

What are initiatives to enhance digital literacy in India?

National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) (2014-2016): Aimed to train 52.50 lakh candidates in digital literacy.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) (Since 2017): Targeted to impart digital literacy in rural India, covering 6 crore households.

Way forward

To maximize India’s demographic and digital dividends, India must focus on enhancing digital literacy and accessibility. As smartphone usage in rural areas rose to 74.8% in 2022, leveraging this for educational resources and skills development is crucial. Continued support for youth aspirations will drive economic participation and growth.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the significance of measuring digital literacy in India, considering its impact on education, economic development, and workforce preparedness.