Background

With the rapid advancement of technology, proficiency in computers has become increasingly essential in various professional sectors. However, in India, the stark digital divide poses a significant challenge for students from underserved communities, hindering their access to quality education and employment opportunities. This lack of access to technology exacerbates existing socioeconomic inequalities and further marginalizes youth from these communities. 

Oxfam’s India Inequality Report reveals that only about one-fifth of the Indian population can operate a computer or use the internet. Another report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) states that only 9.6% of rural households possess a computer. The consequences of this limited digital infrastructure was exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns: the abrupt shift to online learning due to school closures left many students struggling to adapt, severely impeding their educational progress. 

Thus, it is evident that the processes of digitization, whether in finance, healthcare, or education, cannot be the ultimate solution if it is not accompanied by a nuanced understanding of socioeconomic realities in India. It is crucial to commit to expanding digital literacy to ensure systematic inequalities do not worsen as we move forward. 

To address these pressing issues, Project Ctrl+ aims to provide a comprehensive solution by equipping students from underserved communities with essential computer skills. By focusing on long-term employability perspectives, the project seeks to empower these students to take control of their futures and break free from the constraints imposed by the digital divide.