DigiSaksham is a transformative digital skills program initiated by the Central Government of India aimed at boosting the employability quotient of the country’s youth. In an era where digital literacy has become indispensable for securing jobs, this program emerges as a beacon of hope, especially for those hailing from rural and semi-urban areas. With a strategic partnership with Microsoft India, DigiSaksham is set to offer free training, equipping over 300,000 young individuals with vital digital skills in its inaugural year.
Objectives of DigiSaksham
The core objective of DigiSaksham is to bridge the digital divide and create a workforce that is well-versed in modern technology. It aims to facilitate the acquisition of digital skills which are essential in the current job market. By focusing on the youth from less privileged backgrounds, the program intends to level the playing field and enable these individuals to compete effectively for employment opportunities.
Collaboration with Microsoft India
The collaboration between the Central Government and Microsoft India is a cornerstone of the DigiSaksham initiative. Microsoft, a global leader in technology, brings to the table its extensive expertise and resources in the field of computing and digital education. This partnership ensures that the training provided is not only relevant but also of high quality, adhering to international standards.
Target Beneficiaries
DigiSaksham is particularly targeted at the youth residing in rural and semi-urban areas of the country. The program places special emphasis on supporting those from disadvantaged communities, including job seekers who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. By prioritizing these groups, DigiSaksham endeavors to empower them with the necessary digital competencies required for gainful employment.
Training Modules and Skills Imparted
The training modules under DigiSaksham have been carefully curated to cater to a wide range of skill levels, from basic digital literacy to advanced computing. Participants will be able to learn various aspects of digital technology, including the use of productivity software, understanding of data management, and the principles of coding and web development. These skills are selected to ensure that trainees are job-ready upon completion of the program.
Program Reach and Implementation
In its first year, DigiSaksham is expected to impact over 3 lakh youths across the country. The implementation strategy involves leveraging existing government infrastructure such as common service centers and digital kiosks in rural and semi-urban localities. This approach ensures that the training is accessible to the target audience without the need for extensive travel or relocation.
Enhancing Employability and Economic Growth
By imparting digital skills to the youth, DigiSaksham plays a significant role in enhancing their employability. As the demand for digitally skilled labor increases, participants of this program will find themselves at an advantage in the job market. This, in turn, contributes to the broader goal of economic growth and development, as a digitally literate workforce is better equipped to drive innovation and productivity.
Future Prospects and Expansion
While the immediate goal of DigiSaksham is to train over 3 lakh individuals, the program has the potential for further expansion. Depending on the success of the initial phase, there could be subsequent rollouts to include more beneficiaries and possibly introduce additional advanced training modules. The scalability of DigiSaksham makes it a pivotal project for the nation’s digital transformation journey.
