CSC (Common Services Centers), today, announced that it has collaborated with Facebook-owned messaging application WhatsApp for creating a chatbot for citizens to collect digital literacy services and resources.

General citizens by sending – “Namaste” to CSC Academy’s official WhatsApp account - +91 99 9918 9321, will get access to details and course modules of flagship programs.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and the Digital Beti initiative is available in English, Hindi and seven other regional languages.

Dinesh Tyagi, CEO, CSC SPV, said, “The ability to deliver digital literacy modules through WhatsApp will help us in the extension of the programme to those still unreached in rural as well as urban areas. The partnership will redefine the delivery model of education and skill-related content, especially for rural India.”

500+ unique users have accessed CSC’s WhatsApp chatbot in this date, which is predicted to reach 10+ million beneficiaries by August 2021.

The aim of Digital Beti is to train 5,000 rural entrepreneurs in digital literacy in 3,000+ villages in 10 Indian states and PMGDISHA initiative focuses on guaranteeing at least 40 percent rural households digitally literate.

Shivnath Thukral, Head of Public Policy, WhatsApp India, said, "We're delighted to partner with CSC to support rural women entrepreneurs and help deliver on CSC's goal of digital literacy.”

In collaboration with NITI Aayog’s WEP program, WhatsApp will play key role for driving digital and financial inclusion in India.