1. The document proposes incorporating computer literacy training in regional languages as part of the equivalency program under Saakshar Bharat, India's national adult literacy mission. 2. It recommends partnering with C-DAC, which has experience providing basic and advanced multilingual computing training through its PACE and GIST programs. 3. The proposed curriculum would involve hands-on training in basic computer operations and applications like word processing, spreadsheets, presentations in regional languages using C-DAC's BOSS operating system and Bharateeya Open Office suite.

1. Computer Literacy in Regional Language (Mother
Tongue) in the Equivalency Programme
By
M.Natarajan
Authorized Regional Coordinator for the Multilingual Programme of C-DAC Gist PACE
Plot No.251, Door No.23 (Ground Floor), Indira Gandhi Road
Ramakrishna Nagar, Valasarvakkam
Chennai - 600 087.
Phone: 24860245. Mobile: 9443195584
Email: aksaraco@bsnl.in , aksharaco@dataone.in
Abstract – This paper presents why and how the Computer Literacy Programme
could be incorporated in the Equivalency Programme of Saakshar Bharat. This
Computer Literacy Programme will enable the Non-Literates and Neo-Literates to
learn and use the Computers and Computing / ICT devices in their Regional
Language itself, thus enhancing their skill set besides enabling them to access to
information which helps to sustain literacy.
Keywords – Equivalency Programme, Vocational Training, Training and using
Computers / IT in regional language (Tamil in Tamilnadu), C-DAC Gist, C-DAC’s
Bharat Operating System Solutions (BOSS), C-DAC’s Bharateeya Open Office,
Mobile Computer Learning Centre.
Introduction:
Now a days we find it extremely difficult to locate an area of work where computer
systems are not used. In India, the Government’s new initiatives such as National
e-Governance Plan (NeGP), Digital India, etc. are more into these areas and are
working to reduce the gap in Digital Divide. Hence, it is deemed fit to put ICT in
Adult Literacy in all possible ways. But there are certain common constraints
relating to the use of ICTs for adult literacy. They are problems relating to those of
limited telecommunications infrastructure, problems of bandwidth capacity, non-
availability of computers, poor transportation network, including those relating to
uninterrupted power supply, and lack of trained personnel.
Infact, most countries are not using ICTs effectively in literacy programmes, nor
had they formulated policies for their integration in the literacy programmes.
Computers, when used, are only used for restricted, targeted users in the school
system. It may be observed that issues of access, content and impact of technology
on Non-Literates and Neo-Literates, had not been paid sufficient attention to.
ICT is a broader area wherein anything and everything could be brought under it.
In the case of Saakshar Bharat, ICT may be put in use in two areas, one being ICT
enabled Adult Literacy Programme (Teaching / Learning) and the other being

2. inclusion of ICT in the Curriculum design of SB or its relevant module such as
Equivalency Programme.
In this presentation, I confine myself to including ICT in Curriculum of SB as a part
of Vocational Training in the Equivalency Programme of SB.
Preferred Organization:
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) which is the
premier R&D organization of the Department of Electronics and
Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology (MCIT), Government of India will be an
appropriate organization under this context.
C-DAC developed amongst others, Indian Language Computing Solutions setting up
of GIST group (Graphics and Intelligence based Script Technology). As an
institution for high-end Research and Development (R&D), C-DAC has been at the
forefront of the Information Technology (IT) revolution, constantly building
capacities in emerging/enabling technologies and innovating and leveraging its
expertise, caliber, skill sets to develop and deploy IT products and solutions for
different sectors of the economy, as per the mandate of its parent, the Department
of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology, Government of India and other stakeholders including
funding agencies, collaborators, users and the market-place.
C-DAC’s GIST (Graphics and Intelligence based Script Technology) – Programme for
Advancing Computer Education (PACE) was developed to impart training in basic
and high end multilingual computing with the objective to proliferate the use of
Indian Languages on the Computer. Since January 1996, PACE has been serving as
the vehicle to extend the benefits of the products and solutions developed in the
R&D Labs of GIST to the grass root levels of society. The unique feature of the
programme lies in the design of the courses that enables the learners to
use IT in their regional language (Tamil in Tamilnadu). With Government of
India focusing more on NeGP this education will be of the right choice that enables
Non-Literates and Neo-Literates to learn and use IT in their day to day life.
Curriculum:
Hands-on approach by focusing individually on Computer Operation through
Regional Language (Mother Tongue) has to be provided. They have to be assisted
in grasping of Indian Language Word Processing, Spread Sheet, Drawing,
Presentation and also Internet and E-Mail messaging in various Indian Languages,
more particularly in their Regional Language (Mother Tongue).
Here comes C-DAC which is the more appropriate organization to provide the above
cited Training. Basic Operation Level Training is to be given in C-DAC’s Bharat
Operating System Solutions (BOSS) and in-depth Training is to be given in C-

3. DAC’s Bharateeya Open Office package on Windows / Linux platform which are
in Indian Languages.
Details on the contents of the Curriculum:
About C-DAC’s BOSS:
BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions) is a GNU/Linux distribution developed
by CDAC for enhancing the use of Free/Open Source Software in the country. Made
specifically for the Indian environment, it consists of a pleasing Desktop
environment coupled with Indian language support and other packages that are
most relevant for use in the Government domain.
It also includes document converter, Presentation tool, 3D effects, bluetooth device
support and Input method for Indian Languages.
Present BOSS GNU/Linux is supporting Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi,
Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu desktops.
By default BOSS GNU/Linux will show the English Desktop.
About C-DAC’s Bharateeya Open Office:
BharateeyaOO achieves Indian language support in OpenOffice.org. With initiatives
for localization of OpenOffice.org in major languages of India, and support for
Complex Text Layout, Indian locales, dictionary and sorting in the suite, on
Windows and Linux platforms, the project aims at a Localized and Internationalized
Office suite in 22 Indian Languages that is available free to all.
All the components have a similar "look and feel," making them easy to use and
master. All the components share a common spelling checker and other tools,
which are used consistently across the suite. For example, the drawing tools
available in Writer are also found in Calc, with similar but enhanced versions in
Impress and Draw. BOO options can be set at a component level or even document
level. BOO includes PDF and Flash export capabilities, as well as support for
opening and saving files in many common formats including Microsoft Office, HTML,
XML, WordPerfect, and Lotus 123 formats.
1. Documentation - WRITER can be used for anything from writing a quick
letter to producing an entire book with embedded illustrations, cross-references,
tables of contents, indexes, bibliographies.
2. Presentation - IMPRESS is the fastest, most powerful way to create
effective multimedia presentations. Presentations will truly stand out with special
effects, animation and high-impact drawing tools. User can create impressive
presentations using IMPRESS.
3. Spreadsheet - CALC is powerful spreadsheet software, has all the tools you
need to calculate, analyze, summarize, and present your data in numerical reports

4. or sizzling graphics. A fully integrated help system makes entering complex
formulae a breeze.
4. Graphics/Greeting Cards - DRAW helps to produce everything from simple
diagrams to dynamic 3D illustrations and special effects.
5. Database - BASE enables to manipulate database data seamlessly within
OpenOffice.org. Create and modify tables, forms, queries, and reports, either using
own database or Base's own built-in HSQL database engine.
6. Fonts - A set of Indian Languages fonts are included with this suit.
Benefits:
The participants not only learn to use Computers under this programme but also
can take up self-employment as a small level Graphics Designer such as designing
of Visiting Cards, Advertisement / Promotional Layouts, Display Posters / Banners
etc. by using their innovative ideas for Indianised designs. This may be more
suitable for Women as most of Indian Women have their inherent skills in
designing.
Methodology:
Providing the above cited Computer / IT Training in the Regional Languages
through the Adult Learning Centres of SB needs huge infrastructure requirements
viz. Properly ventilated safe room, Computers (minimum 5 Nos.), Uninterrupted
Power Supply, Internet connectivity, sufficient furniture, Technical Resource Person
as a Trainer. The same setup is required in every location of SB Adult Learning
Centres. It may be observed that these resources will be underutilized for obvious
reasons during day time. Setting up Training Centres at some common locations
are also ruled out for the Participants will have their own difficulty in reaching such
locations and hence turnout will be very thin.
One alternative arrangement for this may be to setup temporary Infrastructure of
the above and the same can be shifted to different locations based on the Training
schedule. This has its own drawback in terms of wear and tear due to frequent
shifting.
Considering the bottlenecks stated above in setting up appropriate Computer / IT
Training Centres in the all the Locations / Districts / Taluks, I place my
recommendation for designing and implementing “Mobile Computer Learning
Centre”. This Mobile Computer Learning Centre will be set up by getting proper
permissions from the competent authorities, in a “Small Bus” or a “Van” by suitably
designing the stands to place the Computers with UPS and placing the furniture.
The Power Requirement for the UPS may be done from a common location or from
the Training Locations. The Technical Resource Person (Trainer) will accompany the
vehicle to train the participants.

5. Mobile Computer Learning Centre may go to the Training Locations as per the pre-
defined Schedules and the participants can be trained comfortably at their location
at their convenience. This may be tried as a pilot project with one such vehicle
initially and based on its success ratio it may be decided to extend this facility
suitably. The same Mobile Computer Learning Centre may also be put in use for ICT
enabled Adult Literacy Programme (Teaching / Learning).
Conclusion:
ICT can be creatively used to close the Digital Divide – when Computer Proficiency
is not just seen as a marketable skill but one that enables access to information and
helps sustain literacy skill. In this presentation, I have tried my best to highlight
how ICT and other Technologies are used effectively and extensively to achieve
National Literacy Goals.
Acknowledgment:
I hereby acknowledge Dr.V.Balaji, Director, SRC, Tamilnadu, Dr.K.Devaraj,
Programme Coordinator, Department of Post-Literacy and Continuing Education,
SRC, Tamilnadu and all Team Members of SRC, Tamilnadu for giving me this great
opportunity to present my views on including ICT in Curriculum of SB as a part of
Vocational Training in the Equivalency Programme of SB for the benefits of Non-
Literates and Neo-Literates to learn and use the Computers and Computing / ICT
devices in their Regional Language itself. I also thank my friend Mr.P.K.Natarajan
who regularly helps me in all my presentations by giving suitable suggestions for
glorifying the presentations. Last but not the least; I dedicate this presentation to
my parents who were Teachers cum Mentors to many by virtue of their dedicated
services.
References:
1. Readings on Saakshar Bharat Programme of MHRD, Government of India.
2. C-DAC Gist PACE Multilingual Programme reference