EMPOWERING FUTURES: THE ROLE OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT SCHEMES IN ADVANCING GIRL CHILD EDUCATION AND DIGITAL LITERACY

Abstract

Education is a fundamental tool for societal progress, yet the gender gap in educational attainment continues to be a challenge, especially in rural areas. As per recent statistics, the female literacy rate in India is approximately 70.3%, compared to the male literacy rate of 84.7% (Census 2011). Especially rural areas face a larger gender gap in literacy rates due to socio-economic barriers. Economic Constraints, Cultural and Social Norms, Infrastructure Deficits, Safety Concerns being the important ones.  Recognizing this, the Indian government has implemented numerous schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India, and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya which aims at promoting girl child education and fostering digital literacy.

 This study examines the impact of these initiatives, focusing on their role in empowering girl child to overcome socio-economic barriers and embrace educational opportunities. This study also explores parental attitudes, community participation, and infrastructural improvements that contribute to the success of these programs. The study will explore the role of digital information dissemination among students in rural areas. Some studies indicated a significant increase in enrolment rates, retention, and digital literacy levels among girls, leading to better career prospects and societal inclusion. It highlights the transformative potential of integrating gender-focused educational policies with digital empowerment in bridging the gap between traditional challenges and modern opportunities. This paper contributes to the discourse on digital literacy and girl child development by providing insights into the intersection of government policies, education, and technology, advocating for strengthened strategies to reduce digital and gender inequities in India.