The Digital Sakhi initiative highlights the role of women in bridging gaps in India’s digital landscape. Despite the country boasting over 970 million internet subscribers, there remains a stark urban-rural divide in digital access. Urban areas report an internet penetration of around 111 subscriptions per 100 individuals, while rural regions lag significantly with approximately 46 per 100. The gender digital divide is also pronounced, with only 33 per cent of women having ever used the internet, compared to 57 per cent of men, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).

As cyber activities increase, so do concerns about cyber fraud. In 2024, more than 36.3 lakh incidents of financial cyber fraud were reported, resulting in losses exceeding ₹22,845 crore, marking a 206 per cent increase from the previous year. Addressing these challenges requires a focus on improving digital accessibility among underserved groups, particularly women in rural areas.

Rajasthan exemplifies these issues, ranking twelfth among Indian states in terms of digitalisation. Women in rural communities face significant barriers regarding access, affordability, and digital literacy, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to foster equitable digital development.

Case Studies of Digital Sakhis Making a Difference

Varsha Bhat, a Digital Sakhi from Bhimal village in Udaipur, recently accomplished connecting seven family members to government welfare schemes. After aiding the family with pension-related issues that were unresolved for months, she helped three elderly members receive old-age pension benefits. Additionally, Varsha expedited the widow pension for a grieving widow within a month of her husband’s death, and facilitated Aadhaar registration for three children, showcasing the impact of informed guidance.

Similarly, Meena Regar, a Digital Sakhi from Rajsamand, supported Dharati Rajka, a widow and mother of four. Following a fatal accident, Dharati received assistance securing an accidental insurance claim under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Meena further helped her navigate applications for both the Widow Pension and Palanhar Schemes. This case illustrates the essential role of Digital Sakhis in providing timely support to vulnerable families.

Cyber safety awareness is another area where Digital Sakhis are making strides. Bhagwanti Jat, for example, successfully avoided a potential scam by following the safety protocols she learned during training. By being cautious and verifying information, she safeguarded herself from financial loss, subsequently educating others in her community about the importance of cyber vigilance.

Expanding Digital Literacy for Lasting Impact

The Digital Sakhi programme, initiated in 2024 by L&T Finance and the Manjari Foundation, aims to enhance digital and financial inclusion in Rajasthan. An independent baseline study revealed alarming gaps, indicating that only 32 per cent of community members were aware of government schemes and a mere 18 per cent had adopted digital services. The programme seeks to empower local women to act as champions for digital literacy, enabling them to disseminate knowledge about financial opportunities and government resources.

Each Digital Sakhi is equipped with a tablet featuring multilingual training materials, hands-on exposure to digital banking, and cyber safety practices. This innovative approach, based on experiential learning, fosters confidence and enhances problem-solving skills among women, who then support households in accessing essential services.

Over two years, the initiative has positively impacted more than 2.5 lakh individuals, helping over 15,000 families access social entitlement schemes worth ₹45 crore. Independent evaluations indicate significant improvements in awareness and adoption of digital tools. The programme exemplifies how community-led efforts can foster inclusive development, enabling women to become informed and active participants in the digital economy.

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