(a) the present computer literacy rate in the country;
(b) whether out of 6,00,000 primary schools in the country not even due per
cent have computers;
(c) if so, whether Government have formulated any scheme to increase
the computer literacy rate in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS(SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)
(a): Currently computer penetration in India is estimated at 6 per 1000 people. On this basis, estimate of computer literacy in India could be about 30 per 1000 taking approximately 5 users per computer.
(b): Precise data is not available.
(c) and (d): Working Group on Information Technology for Masses set up under the Ministry of Information Technology in May 2000 has made several recommendations, which inter-alia include, providing about 100 million internet connections by the year 2008, establishing about 1 million Internet enabled IT Kiosks/Cyber-cafes, establishing IT infrastructure in 60,000 schools and to launch mass awareness campaign through IT Yatras.
In addition, under the newly launched National Programme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, there is a provision of Rs.15 lakhs per district for computer education under `Innovative activities`.