New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), a landmark initiative to promote digital literacy in rural India, has surpassed its ambitious target of training 6 crore individuals. By the scheme’s conclusion on March 31, 2024, a total of 6.39 crore rural citizens, representing one individual per household, were empowered with digital skills, marking a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide in rural areas.
The scheme’s remarkable achievement highlights the government’s commitment to inclusive digital empowerment, ensuring rural citizens are equipped to thrive in a rapidly digitizing world.
To bolster IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) in small towns, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS) and North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS). These schemes offered financial incentives of up to ₹1 lakh per seat, fostering job creation and supporting local entrepreneurs. Special incentives were also provided to encourage the hiring of women and differently-abled individuals, creating a more inclusive workforce in the IT sector.
India continues to solidify its position as a global IT hub. Stanford University has ranked India among the top four nations, alongside the US, UK, and China, in its Global AI Vibrancy Ranking. This recognition underscores India’s robust IT ecosystem and its strides in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.
To maintain this edge, MeitY has rolled out the FutureSkills PRIME program in partnership with NASSCOM. This initiative focuses on reskilling and upskilling professionals in emerging technologies, including AI, Blockchain, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and more.
Additionally, the IndiaAI Mission has launched the India AI Fellowship program, offering opportunities for B.Tech and M.Tech students from AICTE-recognized institutions to delve into cutting-edge AI research and development.
From empowering rural households with digital literacy under PMGDISHA to fostering IT excellence through initiatives like IBPS, NEBPS, and FutureSkills PRIME, India is crafting a robust blueprint for a digitally inclusive and technologically advanced future. These initiatives not only uplift communities but also position India as a global leader in IT and emerging technologies.