Udupi: The gram panchayat libraries controlled by the rural development and panchayat raj department have undergone a drastic transformation in recent years. Going a step further, the Sikshana Foundation is conducting a digital literacy programme aimed at empowering women, self-help groups, and communities to effectively use digital tools for communication, accessing information, and managing business operations.In Udupi, the four-hour programme has been launched in about 100 gram panchayats.
Reena S Hegde, district master trainer from Shikshana Foundation, told TOI that the initiative is being implemented through gram panchayat libraries in collaboration with the RDPR department and the Dell Foundation.
"Across the state, the programme targets to reach eight lakh people across various communities, including six lakh women from self-help groups and two lakh community members. In Udupi district, 148 GP libraries are being covered," she said.
Meanwhile, the AI for Upskilling Pilot Programme for Empowering Karnataka Students is also being held. The programme is aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing employability. She explained that this innovative programme will engage 10,000 students with the expertise of 10 AI master trainers, focusing on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI technologies. The programme's core objective is to equip students with practical skills and knowledge in AI, helping them to leverage tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. This initiative is particularly focused on reaching rural students, ensuring they have equal access to cutting-edge AI resources and training," she said.
Panchayat development officer of Kurkal gram panchayat, Yogitha B said, the Model Digital Inclusion Center (MDIC) is under construction, with operations expected to commence by Dec 10. A first-of-its-kind programme, it has been designed to empower students and youth. The centre aims to provide digital literacy training to over 2,000 aspirants.
The MDIC, located at the Kurkalu gram panchayat library in Kaup taluk, is part of a larger initiative being implemented across nine districts in Karnataka. The project is equipped with modern systems and facilities provided through the collaboration of the Sikshana Foundation, Dell Organisation, and RDPR, she said and urged the students to take benefit from the programme aimed at addressing the digital divide in rural areas and enhancing educational and employment opportunities.