Digital Literacy
of
Chattisgarh
Submitted To: Dr. Nidhi Chaudhry
By:
Aryan (803) Sumedha (06)
Saumil (554) Sneha (780)
Diksha (153) Ojjasvini (341)
Saloni (816)
Introduction.
Chhattisgarh, a state located in central India, was formed in the year 2000 and has a population of
around 30 million. Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, the state is also a hub
of tribal communities, with over 30% of its population belonging to Scheduled Tribes. Its capital,
Raipur, is emerging as a center for industry and education.
Primarily an agrarian state, Chhattisgarh also has significant industries such as mining, steel
production, and power generation.
Despite challenges in infrastructure and literacy, Chhattisgarh has made substantial progress in
improving digital access and empowering its citizens through various digital initiatives.
What is Digital
Literacy?
Digital literacy is an individual's ability to find, evaluate, and
communicate information using typing or digital media platforms. It is a
combination of both technical and cognitive abilities in using
information and communication technologies to create, evaluate, and
share information.
Current Scenario of Digital Literacy in
Chhattisgarh
Rural Digital Literacy: In rural areas of Chhattisgarh, Urban Digital Literacy: Urban areas of Chhattisgarh,
digital literacy is progressing due to government particularly in cities like Raipur and Bilaspur, have
initiatives like PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin seen faster growth in digital literacy, with better
Digital Saksharta Abhiyan). However, challenges such access to the internet and modern digital tools. Here,
as limited access to high-speed internet and lack of digital adoption is more widespread, with people
infrastructure still hinder full digital empowerment. using technology for banking, e-governance, and
Despite these obstacles, more people in rural regions are education. The presence of digital centers and better
being trained to use smartphones, access online services,
connectivity allows a larger percentage of the urban
and engage with digital platforms, although the
population to participate in the digital economy.
penetration is uneven across districts.
Ongoing Efforts: Despite differing rates of progress between urban and rural areas, the state government continues
to focus on bridging the digital divide, aiming to enhance both access and literacy through educational programs
and infrastructure development.
Internet User Analytics
As per Digital Sansad Report released in March 2023.
Total Internet Rural 7.18
Subscription
(In Million) Urban 8.16
Rural 32.75
Total Internet Subscription
(Per 100 Population)
Urban 100.65
Data represented in LOK Sabha by the
Ministry of Communication
Department of Telecommunication
Government Initiatives
Digital Chhattisgarh Initiative
A broader state government program to promote e-Governance and digital services. It includes setting up digital kiosks and facilitating access
to online services in rural areas.
Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society -CHIPS
This is the state body responsible for implementing IT projects in the state, including the promotion of digital literacy programs. Through CHiPS,
various digital tools and platforms are being introduced to enhance learning, governance, and transparency.
Digital Sakhi
Women from rural areas are trained to become "Digital Sakhi," who assist in teaching local communities about digital platforms,
government services, and financial literacy.
Vikas Yatra and Digital Education:
These programs promote awareness about digital tools and technologies among rural citizens. Mobile
vans and other outreach methods have been used to educate the public.
e-District Program
Aiming to make public services accessible online, this initiative provides citizens with the ability to
access documents, services, and other government-related information digitally. The goal is to reduce
manual paperwork and improve efficiency.
Private Initiatives
Google Internet Saathi: Google partnered with Tata Trusts to implement the Internet Saathi program in
rural parts of Chhattisgarh. The initiative focuses on training rural women to use the internet and digital
tools, aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through digital literacy
Private Telemedicine Platforms: During the COVID-19 pandemic, private telemedicine companies
collaborated with the Chhattisgarh government to ensure remote healthcare access. These platforms
helped extend medical consultation services to
rural and isolated communities
Microsoft's Digital Transformation Initiatives: Microsoft has collaborated with the Chhattisgarh
government for skill development and digital transformation. This includes providing training to
educators and students on using digital tools, as well as helping the state’s workforce adapt to emerging
digital technologies.
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) - Adult Literacy Program:
TCS has implemented its Adult Literacy Program as part of its CSR initiatives in Chhattisgarh. This
program focuses on using technology to teach reading, writing, and basic digital skills to adults in rural
areas
Axis Bank Foundation - Digital Banking Camps:
Through its CSR efforts, Axis Bank Foundation has organized digital banking camps in rural areas, teaching
people how to use mobile banking apps, ATMs, and online payment platforms
HCL Foundation - Digital Learning Centers:
The HCL Foundation has partnered with local NGOs in Chhattisgarh to establish digital learning centers
in underdeveloped areas.
Challenges
Access to technology: Not everyone has access to the latest technology or the training to use it.
Interest in digital technology: Some groups, especially adults, may not be interested in digital
technology.
Digital literacy skills: Teachers and students may not have adequate digital literacy skills.
Digital infrastructure: Chhattisgarh faces significant challenges in digital infrastructure, including
limited internet connectivity in remote and tribal areas, inadequate access to digital devices, and a
lack of digital literacy among rural populations. Additionally, power supply issues in rural regions
further hinder the effective implementation of digital services.
Case Studies
Chhattisgarh School Education Digital Program
The Chhattisgarh School Education Digital Program was initiated in response to the increasing demand for digital
education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The program was developed to address the challenges
of continuing education when schools were closed and ensure that students in both rural and urban areas had access to
learning resources.
Basic Details:
1. Launch Year: 2020, during the pandemic, when schools across the country were forced to shut down.
2. Main Objectives:
• To ensure uninterrupted learning for students, especially in government schools.
• To provide digital content in local languages for easy understanding.
• To bridge the digital divide by making education accessible even in remote areas through various platforms like
mobile apps, radio, and television.
3. Key Initiatives:
• DigiLEP (Digital Learning Enhancement Program): Focuses on delivering digital
learning materials through various media.
• CG-School App: A mobile application providing access to online classes, videos,
and assignments.
• E-content Creation: Development of digital textbooks, video tutorials, and other
educational resources in local languages.
• ICT Labs and Smart Classrooms: Infrastructure development in schools to facilitate
digital learning through technology.
4. Reach: The program targeted both urban and rural areas, particularly focusing on
students in remote areas who had limited access to online education resources.
5. Support Channels: In addition to mobile apps, educational content was broadcast
on television and radio for those who did not have access to the internet or
smartphones.
E-Panchayat Initiatives
The e-Panchayat initiative in Chhattisgarh is part of the National e-Panchayat Mission Mode
Project, which was launched in 2010 by the Government of India under the Digital India
initiative. Chhattisgarh adopted and implemented these reforms as part of its broader efforts
to digitize Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and strengthen local governance.
Basic Details:
1. Launch Year:
• Nationally initiated in 2010; Chhattisgarh has progressively adopted and implemented the
various e-Panchayat components since then.
2. Primary Objectives:
• To digitize Panchayat functioning and enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local
governance.
• To provide real-time access to data regarding planning, financial transactions, and execution of
development projects.
• To empower citizens by providing them with access to information and services at the village level.
3. Key Features:
• Introduction of digital platforms like PRIASoft, e-GramSwaraj, and Gram Manchitra for financial
management, planning, and asset tracking.
• Integration of Aadhaar-enabled service delivery for schemes like MGNREGA and pension payments.
• Training and capacity building for Panchayat officials to effectively use digital tools.
• A focus on transparent grievance redressal and citizen engagement through digital means.
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) - Adult Literacy Program:
TCS has implemented its Adult Literacy Program as part of its CSR initiatives in Chhattisgarh. This
program focuses on using technology to teach reading, writing, and basic digital skills to adults in rural
areas
Axis Bank Foundation - Digital Banking Camps:
Through its CSR efforts, Axis Bank Foundation has organized digital banking camps in rural areas, teaching
people how to use mobile banking apps, ATMs, and online payment platforms
HCL Foundation - Digital Learning Centers:
The HCL Foundation has partnered with local NGOs in Chhattisgarh to establish digital learning centers
in underdeveloped areas.
Employment potential within the state for
digital literate people
Natural Resource Regeneration
The objective is to create employment for 7 lakh workers. This may not be done at once,
but gradually over a period of 5 years. This would come to a requirement of 17.5 lakh
person-years of work. We target that each worker should receive a wage of Rs 1 lakh per year. Using as a
benchmark, that would imply a total cost per worker of Rs 1.5 lakh.57 This would include
the administration cost as well as the cost of material and skilled wages.
The total cost of natural resource regeneration, for 17.5 lakh person-years of work at a cost
of Rs 1.5 lakh per person-year, comes to Rs 26250 crore.
Employment potential within the state for
digital literate people
Samarth Zilla
The objective is to create employment for 3 lakh workers. Again, this will be gradually
scaled up over a period of 5 years. This would come to a requirement of 7.5 lakh person years of work.
We use it as a benchmark for this project. In, 78 crore person-days of work were generated in
2014–15 to 2016–17,58 for an expenditure of 59,750 crore.59 Assuming 260 working days per year, this comes to
Rs 2.0 lakh per year per worker.
The total cost of this project, for 7.5 lakh person-years of work at a cost of Rs 2.0 lakh per
person-year, comes to Rs 15000 crore.
Employment potential within the state for
digital literate people
Vacancies
Vacancies for almost 80,000 government jobs
exist in Chhattisgarh. These jobs range from Anganwadi workers, to ASHA workers, to
paramedics, to teachers and policemen.
Assuming that on an average, these jobs cost the state government Rs 2 lakhs per year, the
total cost of filling these jobs will be Rs 8000 crore over the 5-year period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, digital literacy in Chhattisgarh is progressing, but challenges remain in bridging the
gap between urban and rural areas. The state's initiatives, such as setting up Common Service
Centers (CSCs) and promoting digital education in schools, have played a vital role in improving
access to technology and information. However, issues like low internet connectivity, lack of digital
infrastructure, and limited digital skills among rural populations need continued attention. To fully
harness the potential of digital technology, the government must invest in improving infrastructure,
providing targeted digital education programs, and encouraging digital inclusion initiatives to
empower all citizens across the state.
Thank you
