Summary of Digital Literacy Workshops conducted by BPS in the year-2024

  Summary of Digital Literacy Workshops conducted by the BPS in the year-2024

Digital Literacy Workshops and Campaigns Overview

In a landmark initiative to empower senior citizens with essential digital skills, Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), launched a Digital Literacy Campaign on 16th July 2024 from Bangalore. The campaign focused on educating pensioners about secure digital practices, preventing cyber fraud, and effectively utilizing digital tools for everyday activities. Over the course of 2024, workshops were conducted in various cities, equipping more than 300 pensioners with critical digital competencies.

Key Workshops and Highlights

1. Bengaluru Workshops (July & September 2024)

§ Dates: July 15-16, 16-17 July, and 23-25 September 2024.

§ Venue: Income Tax Office, Bengaluru.

§ Attendance: 106 senior citizens gained vital digital skills.

§ Topics Covered: Basics of smartphones, UPI payments, online banking, cybersecurity, social                    media safety, Digi Locker, and generating Digital Life Certificates.

§ Feedback: Participants appreciated the hands-on sessions, highlighting a boost in confidence and          digital proficiency.

2. Kolkata Training (19th November 2024)

§ Venue: GST Bhavan Library Hall.

§ Attendance: 45 pensioners, primarily from Railways and CPWD.

§ Topics Covered: Pension portals, secure online transactions, email basics, and cybersecurity tips.

§ Feedback: The practical instructions were well-received, with attendees requesting regular                                         workshops and printed manuals.

3. New Delhi Workshop (11th December 2024)

§ Venue: G.M. Modi Hall, PHD Chambers.

§ Attendance: 33 pensioners.

§ Topics Covered: Cyber frauds, ATM security, data protection, and AI-based scams.

§ Feedback: Participants felt more vigilant in their digital interactions. Suggestions included                                      covering emerging cyber threats in future sessions.

4. Chennai Campaign (14th December 2024)

§ Venue: Principal Accountant General’s Office.

§ Attendance: 57 pensioners and volunteers.

§ Topics Covered: Transitioning to a digital-first world, filing life certificates online, and cyber fraud                     prevention.

§ Feedback: Attendees praised the program as “the need of the hour,” calling for more regular and                               in-depth training sessions.

5. Lucknow Workshop (19th December 2024)

§ Venue: DRM’s Meeting Room, Northeastern Railway.

§ Attendance: 45 pensioners, including some who traveled from distant locations.

§ Topics Covered: App installation, cyber fraud prevention, online banking, and UPI payments.

§ Feedback: The sessions were engaging and simplified, with participants suggesting extending the             workshop to two days for deeper learning.

Common Outcomes and Feedback

o Relevance: The workshops addressed the specific digital needs of senior citizens, such as                                            cybersecurity, UPI payments, and accessing government e-services.

o Practical Training: Hands-on learning and interactive sessions were highly valued.

o Confidence Building: Participants reported feeling more empowered to independently and securely                     navigate digital platforms.

o Suggestions: Requests for regular sessions, advanced topics, and access to printed or digital                                          learning materials were frequently mentioned.

Acknowledgments

o Organizers: Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and local                                            pensioners’ associations.

o Special Mention: Shri S.C. Maheshwari, Secretary General of BPS, for his visionary leadership in                initiating this campaign.

Conclusion and Future Plans

The Digital Literacy Campaign was a resounding success, fostering awareness, confidence, and skill-building among senior citizens. It underscored the transformative impact of equipping pensioners with critical digitalliteracy skills, ensuring they remain secure and self-reliant in an increasingly digital world.

Future Initiatives

o Planned Workshops (January-March 2025): Workshops are scheduled in Guwahati, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Nagpur in collaboration with TCS.

National Expansion: Extending the campaign to a national level is essential to educate senior citizens across India. However, this ambitious task requires financial support from the Government/ institutions to achieve its goals.

     S.C.Maheshwari

     Secretary General ,

    Bharat Pensioners Samaj

No BPS/SG/DLW/024 /6                                                          Date 24.12.024

Forwarded to the Secretary, & the JS Government of India-DOP & PW for information & N/a please.

S.C. Maheshwari

Secretary General, 

Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS