Digital Literacy Program (PMGDISHA) – Empowering Rural India with Digital Knowledge

In today’s fast-changing world, digital knowledge is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. From using mobile phones and internet banking to accessing government services online, digital skills are important in daily life. But in rural areas, many people — especially senior citizens, women, and the poor — are still digitally illiterate.

To bridge this gap, the Government of India launched a special program called PMGDISHA – Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan. It aims to make every rural household digitally literate and confident.

In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about PMGDISHA — what it is, why it matters, who can join, how to register, and the benefits — all in simple language.

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🧑‍💻 What is PMGDISHA?

PMGDISHA stands for Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan. It is a free digital literacy program started by the Government of India in 2017 under the Digital India Mission.

The goal of PMGDISHA is to teach basic digital skills to at least 6 crore (60 million) people in rural India, especially those who do not know how to use smartphones, computers, or the internet.

It is being implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) through CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.

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🎯 Objective of the Program

The main objective of PMGDISHA is:

• To make one person in every rural household digitally literate

• To empower people to use digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers

• To help people access digital services like banking, bill payments, health, education, and government schemes

• To reduce the digital divide between urban and rural India

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📚 What Will You Learn in PMGDISHA?

PMGDISHA is not a technical or high-level computer course. It is a basic digital training program. After completing the training, you will learn:

1. How to operate a computer or smartphone

2. How to browse the internet

3. How to use email and search information online

4. How to use digital payment systems like UPI, BHIM, Paytm

5. How to access government websites like DigiLocker, Umang, PM-Kisan, etc.

6. How to stay safe online (cyber safety basics)

Training is available in local languages and designed for easy understanding by all age groups.

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👩‍🏫 Who Can Enroll in PMGDISHA?

To join the PMGDISHA program, the person must meet these eligibility criteria:

• Resident of a rural area (village)

• Aged between 14 and 60 years

• Should be digitally illiterate (does not know how to use a computer or smartphone)

• One person per household is allowed

• Priority is given to:

  • SC/ST, BPL families

  • Women

  • People with disabilities (Divyangjan)

  • Minorities

  • Daily wage workers and non-skilled workers

💡 No formal education is required to join.

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🖥️ Duration and Mode of Training

• Course Duration: 20 hours (spread over 10–30 days)

• Mode: Offline or online training at a Common Service Centre (CSC)

• Training Partners: Registered CSCs and training centers across the country

• Course Language: Hindi, English, and regional languages

Training includes both theory and practical sessions, so learners can practice using digital tools.

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📄 Documents Required for Registration

To register under PMGDISHA, you need the following:

1. Aadhaar card (mandatory)

2. Passport-size photograph

3. Mobile number (linked with Aadhaar, if possible)

4. Bank account details (optional)

5. Proof of address (if Aadhaar does not have correct address)

The training partner or CSC operator will help you upload these during the registration process.

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📝 How to Register for PMGDISHA?

You can visit your nearest CSC center or online PMGDISHA training center to enroll.

Offline Process:

1. Visit a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC)

2. Ask for PMGDISHA enrollment

3. Submit Aadhaar and other required documents

4. The CSC operator will register you online and issue a student ID

5. Attend training classes

6. Appear for an online test

Online Process (for training centers):

1. Go to https://www.pmgdisha.in

2. Login as a training center

3. Upload candidate details and documents

4. Schedule training and examination

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🎓 Certification and Exam

After completing the training, the candidate must appear for a simple online exam conducted by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT).

The test includes:

• 25 multiple-choice questions

• Basic practical questions (operating computer/mobile)

• Language: Regional/local

• Passing marks: Usually 50%

If the candidate passes, a Digital Literacy Certificate is awarded by the government.

✅ This certificate is valid for life and can be used for job applications and government schemes.

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🎁 Benefits of PMGDISHA

PMGDISHA brings several real benefits to rural people:

1. Empowers Citizens

People learn how to use phones, pay bills online, and access important services themselves.

2. Saves Time & Money

No need to visit banks, government offices, or cyber cafés for small tasks.

3. Improves Job Chances

A digital certificate can help in applying for government jobs or private sector jobs.

4. Women Empowerment

Many housewives and rural women become more confident and independent.

5. Awareness of Government Schemes

Citizens learn to use platforms like PM-Kisan, Ayushman Bharat, DigiLocker, and Umang App.

6. Promotes Cashless Economy

People can make digital payments and reduce the use of cash.

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📊 Achievements So Far

As of now, millions of people have been trained under PMGDISHA across different states:

• Over 6 crore rural citizens enrolled

• Thousands of training centers opened in villages

• Special drives conducted during COVID-19, elections, and vaccination campaigns

• Increased digital participation in rural India

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💡 How You Can Help

If you know someone who is digitally illiterate — a parent, farmer, housewife, or elder in the village — guide them to join PMGDISHA.

If you run a CSC or want to open a training center, you can register on the PMGDISHA website and become a digital trainer in your village.

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📞 Helpline and Contact

• Official Website: https://www.pmgdisha.in

• Email: helpdesk@pmgdisha.in

• Helpline Number: 1800-3000-3468 (Toll-Free)

• CSC Locator: You can also visit your Gram Panchayat CSC

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📝 Conclusion

The PMGDISHA program is a powerful step toward building a Digital India. It is helping millions of rural citizens gain confidence in using smartphones, the internet, and government services.

With digital literacy, people are becoming more aware, independent, and connected to the modern world.

So if you or someone you know is still unaware of how to use digital tools, don’t wait — enroll in PMGDISHA today and take the first step toward a brighter, tech-friendly future.

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