Overview of NDLM

The Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) or National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) Scheme has been formulated to impart IT training to 52.5 lakh persons, including Anganwadi and ASHA workers and authorized ration dealers in all the States/UTs across the country so that the non-IT literate citizens are trained to become IT literate so as to enable them to actively and effectively participate in the democratic and developmental process and also enhance their livelihood.

 Altogether 52.5 lakh persons, including Anganwadi and ASHA workers and authorized ration dealers will be trained under the programme in two phases. In the first phase, 10 lakh beneficiaries will be trained under the scheme. Out of this, 6.3 lakh beneficiaries will be trained on Level 1 and 2.7 lakh beneficiaries will be trained on Level 2. Nine lakh beneficiaries will be eligible for training fee support from the government. The rest 100,000 beneficiaries will be trained by the industry and civil society partners. Under Phase II, 42.5 lakh persons will be trained, which also includes Anganwadi and ASHA workers and authorized ration dealers.

Definition of DIGITAL LITERACY

• Digital Literacy is the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations.

• National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Ajmer is conducting courses under National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) as part of Prime Minister’s vision of “Digital India”. 

• Under the Scheme one in every eligible household in selected Blocks in each State/ UT of the country will be imparted computer skills. 

• The objective is to impart basic ICT skills relevant to the need of the trainees, which would enable the citizens to use IT and related applications and participate actively in the democratic process and further enhance opportunities for their livelihood. The persons shall be able to access information, knowledge and skill through the use of digital devices.  The following is the course structure:

Levels of Training

• Two levels of training under the SCHEME

The two levels of IT training envisaged under the Scheme will have the following broad objectives:

1.    Appreciation of Digital Literacy (Level 1)
To make a person IT literate, so that he/ she can operate digital devices, like mobile phones, tablets, etc., send and receive emails and search Internet for information, etc.

2.   Basics of Digital Literacy (Level 2)
Besides IT literacy at a higher level, the citizen would also be trained to effectively access the various e-Governance services being offered to the citizen by the Government and other agencies.

Eligibility Criterion:

Level 1 : Non-IT literate - Illiterate and upto 7th standard pass
Level 2 : Non-IT literate with at least 8th standard pass
Age : 14 to 60 years.

Places of Learning

The eligible households can nominate one person from their family. The selected person to get himself enrolled under this programme in a nearest Training Centre/ Common Service Center (CSC).
 

Course Duration :

Level 1 : 20 Hours (Minimum 10 Days and Maximum 30 Days)
Level 2 : 40 Hours (Minimum 20 Days and Maximum 60 Days)

Medium of Instruction:
Level 1 and 2 : Official Languages of India
Fees:
Level 1 : For SC/ ST/ BPL Households, no training fee payable and for General candidates, course fee of Rs. 125 applicable.
Level 2 : For SC/ ST/ BPL Households, no training fee payable and for General candidates, course fee of Rs. 250 applicable.
 

Evaluation:

Independent external evaluation will be conducted by a National level certifying agency like NIELIT, NIOS, IGNOU, etc.

NDLM Course Structure:

Course	Duration	Eligibility	Total Fees
Appreciation of Digital Literacy (Level 1)	2 Weeks (20 Hours)	Literate and upto 7th standard Pass (Age 14 to 60  Years)	Rs 125/-
Basics of Digital Literacy (Level 2)	4 Weeks (40 Hours)	Literate and at least 8th standard Pass (Age 14 to 60  Years)	Rs 250/-

Appreciation of Digital Literacy (Level 1)

MODULE NO.	MODULE NAME	Learning Hours
1.	Introduction to Digital Devices	2
2.	Operating Digital Devices	4
3.	Introduction to the Internet	2
4.	Communications using the Internet	6
5.	Applications of Internet	6
Total		20 Hrs.

 

Basics of Digital Literacy (Level 2)
Essential Modules: 

MODULE NO.	MODULE NAME	Learning Hours
1.	Introduction to Digital Devices	2
2.	Operating Digital Devices	4
3.	Accessing Government Services	6
4.	Safety and Security in Digital Technology	4
Total		16 Hrs.
Optional Modules:
Module No	Module Name	Learning hours
1.	Word Processing	6
2.	Spread Sheet	4
3.	Presentations	4
4.	Basic Use of Multimedia	6
5.	Introduction to the Internet	2
6.	Communications using the Internet	6
7.	Applications of Internet	6
Optional Modules – Total		34 Hrs.
Total Learning Hours Available		50 Hrs.
Minimum Learning Hours required for Level 2		40 Hrs.