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Lets do more to spread computer literacy TOI Edit 300911

Logging on

Sep 30, 2011, 12.00AM IST
Human resources development minister Kapil Sibal brings good news for Indian consumers, particularly students. Next week, the 'world's cheapest computer' will finally see light of day. The Rs 1,500 computing-cum-access device - a rejoinder to the $100 laptop used in the UNDP-backed global One Laptop Per Child programme - has been over seven years in the making. Those years haven't treated India kindly as far ascomputer literacy goes. The direct correlation between a computer literate workforce and economic productivity has been proved time and time again. In India's case, the IT sector accounts for about $78 billion worth of exports. But it employs only around 11 million people - a minuscule portion of our labour force. Factor in the increasing necessity of computer literacy in both classrooms and industries across the board and the demand is huge. But where is the supply? 

Government initiatives to spread computer literacy have fared poorly. In semi-urban and rural areas especially, there's often lack of basic educational infrastructure even when computers are provided. Lack of electricity, absence of computer literate teachers, inadequate security for equipment - these have all been problems. The new tablet-form in question can sidestep some of those issues: for instance, with availability of solar power, power supply shouldn't be an issue. But there are several hurdles to overcome if we're to bridge the digital divide in this country. Internet access is increasingly a crucial part of computer literacy. We're faced with just a 6.9% internet penetration rate as of 2010 and a serious lack of the infrastructure necessary to increase the user base. 

Much more needs to be done in these areas. Putting affordable computers in the market as a gateway device is an important step. But it's only the first one.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Logging-on/articleshow/10174236.cms?prtpage=1

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