Odisha Central University would teach tribal people digital literacy

Students will first take some introductory computer courses as part of the curriculum.

In conjunction with the Forum for Integrated Development and Research (FIDR), Bhubaneswar, the Central University of Odisha established a tribal digital literacy initiative on its campus to improve the digital literacy and abilities of tribal youth.

The unit will be operating at the Centre for Tribal Welfare and Community Development (CTWCD) of the University at Koraput to provide digital skills training to youngsters from the Koraput district’s marginalised ST, SC, OBC, and other communities.

The centre was formally opened by Charudatta Panigrahy, the founding chairman of FIDR, and the vice chancellor in charge of the university, Prof. Sharat Kumar Palita.

According to Palita, the program’s inauguration is a historic occasion since it gives the downtrodden Koraput region residents hope for becoming digitally literate and moving toward self-employment. Although the curriculum begins with some introductory computer classes, it will eventually offer higher level courses.

Through the use of the government of India’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Panigrahy underlined the importance of improving the standard of living for those living in underdeveloped areas. He was confident that this approach would help the locals and improve their socioeconomic conditions.

Guha Poonam, the director of ST, emphasised the strong tribal custom, culture, and education. She thought that the University’s efforts to provide digital education in Koraput will change the game for tribal development. She appreciated the University’s efforts in this area.

She emphasised numerous programmes and initiatives for integrated tribal development and provided assurances of support from the state government as needed.

Raghuram Padal, a local MLA, emphasised the value of education for holistic development. He stated: “The University has been succeeded in raising the region of Koraput’s aspirations for higher education. The majority of students in this area enrolled in CUO to pursue higher education.”

The Tribal Digital Literacy Center seeks to offer free computer training for three years to underserved groups of society in the age range of 16 to 25.