Digital Literacy: Path to creating tech geeks in rural India

Access to technology, instruction in digital skills, and the promotion of an atmosphere that encourages technological innovation are all necessary to cultivate techies in India's rural areas. The main causes of low digital literacy in India's rural areas are connectivity problems, a lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of understanding among decision-makers. India's rural communities frequently lack the necessary internet bandwidth.

The National Survey of India produced a report that estimates India's literacy rate at 77.7% in 2022. Additionally, Nielsen’s India Internet Report 2023 , a producer of audience measurement, data, and analytics, found that rural India had 352 million more internet users than urban India, or nearly 20% more users overall. Despite this, the report showed that nearly half of rural residents are still not actively utilising the internet, perhaps due to poor levels of digital literacy.

The absence of reliable infrastructure support, such as consistent energy, is also regarded as a serious issue. Additionally, most residents of rural areas are unfamiliar with digital terminology and equipment.

In a world where the epidemic has fundamentally transformed demand and shifted society's goals on three fronts: education, employment, and, most critically, healthcare, closing or decreasing the digital divide requires both coverage-related and penetration-related initiatives.

Here we look at some of the coverage-related and penetration-related initiatives that can help support and create techies in rural India.

Create Digital Infrastructure: Ensure that rural communities have access to dependable internet connectivity. Work together with telecom companies, governmental organisations, and neighbourhood associations to increase broadband availability and connectivity. To close the digital divide, install internet access points, neighbourhood Wi-Fi networks, and mobile connection options.

Programmes for Digital Skill Development: Put in place digital skill development initiatives that are suited to the requirements of rural areas. Work with local educational institutions, NGOs, and governmental organisations to provide training in digital literacy, coding, basic computer skills, internet usage, and other pertinent tech skills. These courses can be given in classrooms, community centres, or mobile training units.

Mobile technology and applications: Take advantage of the extensive use of mobile phones in rural regions to provide tech education and training. To enable people to learn at their own pace, provide mobile applications and learning platforms that provide interactive and localised material. These platforms can offer content on a range of topics, including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, agricultural techniques, healthcare, and vocational skills.

Create community tech hubs: Hubs where residents may use technology, receive training, and work together on technological initiatives. These hubs can act as centres for entrepreneurship assistance, innovation, and the development of digital skills. Provide computers, internet access, software, and hardware resources in these areas.

Mentorship and Industry Partnerships: Encourage collaborations with tech firms, start-ups, and industry experts to offer advice and mentoring to rural tech enthusiasts. Create workshops, boot camps, and blackthorns to promote skill development and knowledge sharing. Encourage local tech professionals to interact with and share their knowledge with rural areas.

Encourage the culture of startups and entrepreneurship in rural communities. Give budding entrepreneurs the tools and training they need to create their tech-based business ideas. Mentorship, financial possibilities, and advice on navigating the business market are all things you should provide.