Being digitally literate has become one of the most important qualifications for a job these days, as the ‘work from home’ model has become the order of the day after the advent of the Covid pandemic. 

In keeping with the times, the District Collector of Koderma in Jharkhand has started a free computer literacy initiative to help the students of the district qualify for good jobs. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, DM Mr. Aditya Ranjan explained about this computer initiative and more.

DIGITAL WORKFORCE 

Recently, the youth of Jharkhand applied for the job of computer operators in the 15th Finance Commission, but no one got through because they lacked even basic computer knowledge.

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Mr Ranjan says that “the missing link in tier-2 and tier-3 cities is that either they have software engineers who have graduated from IITs, or nobodies (people who don’t even have basic computer knowledge). The country needs operators as much as it needs engineers. I had a plan to develop a digital workforce.”

Accordingly, the officer initiated the plan during his stint in West Singhbum where he trained 2100 kids in a span of 1.5 years with a single centre. 

“When I came to Koderma, I decided to do it on a larger scale. Today, one dedicated centre is running in the district that has the capacity to cater to 400 kids every month. We are planning to expand it to four more places, which will be inaugurated on the 25^th of this month,” Mr. Ranjan told Indian Masterminds.

Approximately 2000 kids will be trained in these centres every month. The coaching also provides a three-day course on soft skills, wherein students learn about personality development.

CRASH COURSE

A dedicated team of experts has developed a six-week crash course with 100% practical knowledge for the kids.

“Each child will get to work and learn computer for an hour every day. This practice is helpful in raising basic awareness about computers in the youngsters,” stated Mr. Rajdeo Mahto, the E-district manager of the region. 

The first batch of students consisting of 382 kids has just cleared level 1. They will be felicitated with certificates on 27^th October. 

“This was a basic computer training program. Next, we will focus on typing. One who completes the course with 50% or more will get certificates and these certified candidates will move on to level 2 – typing in both Hindi and English. Students who pass this level will then move on to level 3 where they will learn basics of software such as C++, Java, QBasic, etc.,” stated Mr. Ranjan.

EXCELLENT 200

Apart from imparting computer knowledge, Mr. Ranjan has also started ‘Excellent 200’ on behalf of the district administration for preparing students for various competitive examinations. 

“A total of 1400 students (inter and graduate) had applied for this. 800 students appeared for the exam out of which 200 students have been selected for the first batch (first center).”

The coaching is to be inaugurated on 22^nd October 2021 with its very first batch. This four-month course will prepare the students for subjects like General Studies, Mathematics, English, Hindi and Reasoning.

“Due to the lack of proper guidance, kids are not able to achieve their dreams even when they have potential in them. This coaching will guide them on their path and help them reach their destination. In the near future, we are planning to open three more centres in the district,” Mr. Ranjan told Indian Masterminds.

ROPING IN STUDENTS

To make the kids aware of the coaching classes, the district administration and team visited intermediate schools and colleges of the district and explained the details of the initiative to them.

“We received a good response from the students as many of them showed interest. Furthermore, we also took the help of social media to spread the word,” stated Mr. Mahto.

This computer literacy initiative is set to place the youth of Jharkhand at par with the youth of other states when it comes to job selection.