Computer literacy in India needs a reboot
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: Important events of National and International events
For Mains: GS II - Literacy in India, Computer Literacy in India
Highlights of the Article
National Survey of India
Multiple Indicator Survey
Computer Literacy in India
Context
Computer literacy is essential in today’s world as critical services such as banking, health care and various government services have become digital. Computer literacy implies the knowledge and the ability to use computers and technology efficiently. It ensures that individuals can access and use these services effectively, enhancing their quality of life
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1. Significance of Computer Literacy and Internet Access
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for access to computers and the Internet, highlighting their role in activities ranging from grocery shopping and online education to banking and health-care management.
- In response to this need, the Indian government initiated the Digital India campaign in 2015, aiming to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society.
- Additionally, computer education is becoming a fundamental part of the formal education system, starting from early schooling.
- Various skill development and vocational training programs are also emphasizing computer literacy, particularly for underprivileged and marginalized communities, to help close the digital divide.
- The recently published NSS 78th round of the Multiple Indicator Survey (conducted in 2020-21) offers household survey data that provides insights into individual-level computer literacy. This survey defines computer literacy as the ability to use a computer, revealing that 24.7% of individuals aged 15 and above possess this skill.
- This represents a rise from 18.4% in 2017-18 to 24.7% in 2020-21 overall. Specifically, in rural areas, computer literacy increased from 11.1% to 18.1%, while in urban areas, it grew from 34.7% to 39.6%. Despite this progress, the figures are concerning and cast doubt on the country's digital ambitions.
- Without substantial efforts to make digital literacy universal, the rural population, which accounts for nearly 70% of the country, will face significant disadvantages. Furthermore, with the government's goal of delivering various public services through digital means, a large segment of the population risks being left out
2.Inequality in Literacy rates
- As expected, the level of computer literacy in India varies across different age groups. The survey indicates that computer literacy decreases with age, with younger individuals exhibiting higher rates of proficiency.
- This trend, commonly observed in society, highlights the gap in access to computer education between younger and older generations, known in social sciences as the "cohort effect" or "generation effect."
- Consequently, the overall computer literacy rate of 24.7% shows significant disparities among age groups. It peaks at 45.9% among those aged 20-24 years and drops to a low of 4.4% among those aged 65-69 years.
- Notably, even among the youngest age groups, computer literacy has not reached 50%. Considering the increasing integration of computer technology into daily life, a large segment of the population risks being excluded from modern development.
- Individuals aged 20-39 years, who are typically in their career prime or job searching, have a computer literacy rate of just 34.8%.
- This age group shows considerable variation in computer literacy across different States in India. Our analysis reveals a substantial gap of 55.1 percentage points between Kerala, where 72.7% of individuals in this age group are computer literate, and Assam, where only 17.6% have computer skills.
- Economically disadvantaged States such as Assam (17.6%), Bihar (20.4%), Madhya Pradesh (21%), Jharkhand (21.2%), Uttar Pradesh (22.9%), Odisha (25.1%), Chhattisgarh (26%), and Rajasthan (27.6%) lag behind, with less than 30% of individuals proficient in computer operation.
- Since computer literacy is crucial for the social and economic advancement of States, the lower rates in these economically disadvantaged States hinder their ability to benefit from modern development.
- Failing to address this issue will widen the development gap across Indian States. Bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive growth requires sustained efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders
3.India and Literacy
- One reason for low computer literacy in India is that many schools and colleges lack the infrastructure and qualified teachers needed for effective computer training. This deficiency results in significant gaps in computer literacy among young students and new graduates, which can limit their employment prospects.
- Despite computer education being part of the curriculum, access and instructional quality remain inconsistent, underscoring the need to prioritize computer literacy in the education system. Among older age groups, computer illiteracy can be due to a lack of motivation to learn or limited access to learning resources. It is commonly observed that older individuals are less enthusiastic about adopting new technologies.
- In today's digital society, computer illiteracy can severely limit an individual’s opportunities and experiences. It can lead to fewer job prospects, social isolation, financial exclusion from online transactions and services, and restricted access to vast information resources.
- As Artificial Intelligence advances, employers are increasingly looking for individuals who not only understand computers but also can perform complex tasks. Thus, learning to use a computer and the Internet can help employees develop the skills that employers are seeking.
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) survey (2014-15) found that adults without computer experience are more often unemployed, with a 52.5% employment rate, compared to 72.7% for those with basic computer skills.
- Moreover, computer literacy exacerbates socio-economic inequalities by creating a digital divide and skill gap, leading to unequal job market opportunities.
- Those with better computer skills can leverage technology for personal and professional development, while those lacking these skills face barriers in accessing essential services, participating in the digital economy, and advancing their careers, perpetuating economic disparities
4.Way Forward
While India has made strides in improving computer literacy, the reach and effectiveness of these efforts remain limited. Data indicate significant disparities in both the levels and distribution of computer literacy across different States. The digital divide between economically prosperous and disadvantaged States poses a barrier to inclusive growth and development for large segments of the population.
To address this, schools must equip students with the necessary computer skills to fully engage in our rapidly evolving economies. It is essential that all students graduate with computer literacy to help close the digital divide. The government should allocate resources for training computer personnel and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, targeted programs are needed for the older population outside the formal education system. These programs should involve various institutions, including local governing bodies like panchayats and non-governmental organizations, to effectively reach and empower older individuals with computer skills. Finally, the government should conduct a thorough review of computer literacy initiatives and develop strategies to enhance literacy rates and reduce disparities in the coming years
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Mains Practice Questions
1.Discuss the implications of the digital divide between economically prosperous and disadvantaged states in India. How does this divide impact inclusive growth and development opportunities? Suggest measures to bridge this digital divide.
2. Evaluate the importance of integrating computer literacy into the school curriculum in India. What challenges exist in achieving universal computer literacy among students, and how can these be addressed?
3.Analyze the necessity and challenges of implementing targeted computer literacy programs for older populations in India. How can local governing bodies and non-governmental organizations contribute to this initiative?
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