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IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY


Information technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information. Recently it has become popular to broaden the term to explicitly include the field of electronic communication so that people tend to use the abbreviation ICT (Information and Communications Technology).Basically IT is a valuable set of tools because it benefits you immediately and directly. Knowledge of IT is important because:

IT is everywhere IT can help you to be more productive IT will enhance your career IT will give you a word of opportunity

Today, the term information has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term has become very recognizable. IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, database and software design, as well as the management and administration of entire systems.When computer and communications technologies are combined, the result is information technology, or "InfoTech". Information technology is a general term that describes any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, and/or disseminate information. Presumably, when speaking of Information Technology (IT) as a whole, it is noted that the use of computers and information are associated.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT

Development is neither a simple, nor straightforward linear process. It is a multi-dimensional exercise that seeks to transform society by addressing the entire complex of interwoven strands, living impulses, which are part of an organic whole. (Haqqani 2003:xi) Even now, rural development defies any clear definition as it has gone through a number of changes over a period of time. Hence, there is no comprehensive universally accepted definition of rural development. Earlier, we have taken rural development as commonly understood and expressed by political leaders, academics and a whole lot of UN bodies as an enabling force for improvement of the quality of life of rural people. Development, as a process meant to empower the poor, reduce exploitation, and oppression by those having economic, social, and political power. It also means an equitable sharing of resources, improved health care and education for all.

It may seem paradoxical that modern information technology (IT), associated inour minds with developed country markets and capital-intensive methods of production,has any relevance for a country where many millions still lack basic needs. Nevertheless,there are many efforts underway in India and other developing countries to demonstrate the

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS concrete benefits of IT for rural populations, and to do so in a manner that makes economic sense.

DIMENSIONS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Human dimension
The bases of all rural development are people. The human dimension also includes the educational level of the population, their cultural identity and their social are not only relevant in the rural areas: we also have to consider the impact of urban structure.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS Human factors lifestyle change on rural areas, such as changes in leisure activities or food consumption of the urban majority.

EconomicDimension
Essential for the economic analysis is a broad perspective. Agriculture and forestry are often not the most important economic activities in rural areas.

Science &Technology
Today, every sector in a modern society is affected by the breathtaking development in science and technology. The rural areas are no exception. For instance, we must certainly study the impact of modern bio-technology on agriculture, livestock production and in the food industry. Important questions in this study will be which new technologies can be expected, and how they might impact on rural development. We already can see the impact of modern information technology in some sectors of the rural economy, such as in direct marketing and tourism, where they seem to open-up new chances for economic development. For instance, rural areas in the fringe of big cities might see a new suburbanization due to an increase in tele-commuting.

Political Dimension
The public opinion and the participation of various social and economic groups in the political debate about development priorities is probably one of the most important dimensions of rural change. Rural development scenarios cannot be based solely on objective bio-physical conditions or economic rationality they must also take into account political pressures; and this clearly requires analyses of the power balance between various political actors of rural development.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Environment & Resources


In the long run, rural development is only possible, if it does not waste essential natural resources (such as water), if it preserves the cultural landscape, if it does not pollute soils, water and air, and if it safeguards the biological diversity of plants and animals. Other than in cities, where we can live and work in a highly artificial environment, the rural areas depend to a much greater extent on natural resources and a healthy natural environment for many of their economic activities, such as for tourism, food production, or forestry. Every new policy measure for the promotion of rural development has to be evaluated in its impact on the natural environment.

Role of Information Technology in Development of Rural area


Information is power and power is information. Without information there can be no growth. Now information is penetrating into rural India as well, because without its presence there, we cannot think about development of the entire country. At all India level only about 0.4 per cent of rural households had access to Internet at home as compared to about 6 per cent of urban households, said the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) report on expenditure in 2009-10. Reflecting the digital divide in India, the study said just 3.5 households per 1,000 families, had access to Internet services at home in rural areas in the year. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and IMRB International have provided an insightful research about the internet in rural India. The report showed that the total number of active internet users in rural area is projected to rise by a whopping 98%, from 12.1 million in December 2010 to 24 million by December 2011. An improved internet awareness in rural areas was credited to the fast growth experienced. Government initiative was also conducted to facilitate internet networks and

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS common service centers (or cyber cafes) both of which increased in 2010However, in urban areas, Internet connectivity was much better in 2009-10 as 59.5 families out of every 1000 households had the facility at home. Information Technology play a Important role in Rural Development. Information technology's main role in rural development is to provide people with information of any kind they require because information is necessary for development. for example information and communication technology can help farmers in rural areas to know about new means and techniques of farming that leads in more production and million by December 2011. Improved internet awareness in rural areas was credited to the fast growth experienced. Government initiative was also conducted to facilitate internet networks and common service centers (or cyber cafes) both of which increased in 2010However, in urban areas, Internet connectivity was much better in 2009-10 as 59.5 families out of every 1000 households had the facility at home.

Information Technology play a Important role in Rural Development. Information technology's main role in rural development is to provide people with information of any kind they require because information is necessary for development. For example information and communication technology can help farmers in rural areas to know about new means and techniques of farming that leads in more production and thus more income, information and communication technology can help people consult doctors in urban areas thus reducing health issues, information and communication technology can help educate child by using distant learning methodology and many more. The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has been created in January, 2004 to ensure the process of furthering the development of IT in the State. The Department would strive for Encouraging investments in the IT sector industries in the State. Facilitating the establishment of IT institutes and improving the quality of IT education in the State.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Impact of IT In Rural People Life


The present study is an attempt to know how information technology is playing a Significant role in the development of the rural society. We are living in IT world. If we see developed nations then we come to know that we are lagging so behind. Making all the Government Departments IT enabled is the demand of today. Every citizen wants transparency and fast and timely services from Government Departments. This can be achieved only by using internet and other IT based services like different IT tools and customized software. Government has to make access of each facility as simple as possible. More and more information should be available on websites of Government Departments. There are many IT and e- Governance Related Projects like SUGAM Lokmitra, SMS Gateway, AGRISNET, Telemedicine Project, HMIS, HRTC Online Ticket Booking etc It provides different kind of services to the rural masses to improve their quality of life. The services are concerned with their regular routine such as agriculture, education, health. Social relation, product marketing, administration, planning and current information needs. The information technology is not a magic stick by which one may go to bring miracle change in the rural masses. It may be one of the essential institutional structures contributing to modernization of agriculture, health, education, social and economic development. As we know development is a process which takes couple of years to change the rural life. Thus information technology will definitely be in a position to change the scenario of rural life and create a better path for rural development. Among the major States, Maharashtra was on top with the 104 out of 1,000 families had Internet in cities, followed by Kerala and Himachal Pradesh at 95 each and Haryana at 81.5 Among the hilly States, Arunachal Pradesh had the best reach of the Internet service in rural areas with 19 out of 1,000 households have such facility at home, followed by Himachal Pradesh at 16.8.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS The study further states that among the major states, Kerala had by far the highest proportion of households with Internet access in the rural areas at 3 per cent followed by Himachal Pradesh at 2 per cent. In cities, Maharashtra reported the highest percentage of household having access to Internet connection (10 per cent) followed closely by Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

IT in Rural Education
This could all be summarized in just three words Knowledge is Power. Thus with the penetration of Internet in rural schools, we would witness a complete revolution. Information Technology Play a important role in Rural School .Our State Govt. Encourage the use of Information Technology in schools, colleges and educational institutions so as to enable students to improve their skills, knowledge and job prospects and enable them to obtain employment in this sunrise industry. (Note: Hundreds of middle, high and senior secondary schools have already been computerized and computer aided learning is being provided besides imparting basic skills in operating computers)... Internet is just a source of information and it depends on the user on the kind of information he chooses. Now Information technology is available in all rural school. But Government should to improve the quality of education. Todays, education are using IT and ICT. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) which include radio and television, as well as newer digital technologies such as computers and the Internet have been touted as potentially powerful enabling tools for educational change and reform. The IT companies may start this trend of providing quality IT education in the senior schools. The scope for IT companies looks promising as the education sector is a massive one and can support a lot of such initiatives. Also, implementing the procedures and building up the infrastructure can help the students to be better prepared for a promising career. India is one country where skilled labor, especially in the IT sector, is globally recognized as topnotch and competitive. The English

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS speaking IT professionals in India are preferred in the South Asia. Considering such an asset, the students that are soon going to start their professional lives. IT companies can further help their own growth and sustenance by investing in this sector. School education is a cyclic process and its span is ever continuing by striking a good balance with the school institutions, the companies can do much better and for a long time. Internet and the World Wide Web utilization open up the modern world of information, facts and communication with respect to students. Students can easily gain access to libraries from any city of the world at any time any day or night. The internet possesses a much more pervasive impact than any other electronic media and is also the present day engine most typically associated with progress; simple fact is that it is the new model of thinking that will present an innovative approach to online education.

Role of IT in Rural Bank


The Bank in rural area are playing important role for improving people life in rural area. The commercial Banks were operating for the years, but it was being felt that these banks were not paying necessary head to the credit requirements of common masses. Further the commercial banks, were mainly concentrating their business in the urban area and the banking facilities to rural people were not available. Information Technology and System play important role to interconnected the rural banks with urban banks. Rural banking in India started since the establishment of banking sector in India. Rural Banks in those days mainly focused upon the agro sector. Today, commercial banks and Regional Rural Banks in India are penetrating every corner of the country are extending a helping hand in the growth process of the rural sector in the country. Rural Banks:-

1. Gramin Bank 2. Parvatiya Gramin Bank 3. Co-operative Bank 4. Punjab National Bank

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS 5. State Bank of India

Information System plays an important role in the development of rural banks. Banking in the age of Information Technology has improved the lifestyle of people in rural area. Now people can easily transfer their money from one place to another, the time interval in process of getting loan approved from the bank has also been reduced.

View balances: Checking your balance doesn't require much work. You simply select
Account balances and take a look at your balance and past transactions. If you have more than one account, you can also do transfers between accounts.

Pay bills: To pay your bills online, you just need to add to your account the names of the
companies you wish to pay bills to. In the Pay Bills section, select Add payees, search for the name of the company and fill in the account number for each company. You can also sign up for the E-bills service that sends you a bill by e-mail instead of a printed one by regular mail.

Transfer funds: When you select Transfer Funds, you'll be asked where to transfer the
money to and from, when, and the amount.

Set up recurring bill payments or transfers: If you make a regular payment every
month, it might be convenient to set up an automatic withdrawal from your account.

Monitor CIBC investments: If you have any CIBC investments, you can keep an eye
on those stocks or mutual funds here.

Send and receive an INTERAC e-TransferTM2: This could be the end of the
birthday cheque! You can receive transfers from other people's accounts, or set up transfers from your account to someone else's. The recipient will get an e-mail notifying them of the transaction.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS View CIBC VISA accounts: Always a good place to monitor your spending. You can make your credit card payments online, right from your account.

Order cheques: We don't need them much anymore due to online banking and debit purchases, but if you still use cheques, you can order them directly from the CIBC website.

Why Internet Advertising and Marketing is Essential for Development of Rural area
Which rural Sector, We can Focus through Internet Market: Handicraft, Handloom, Floriculture Tourism Agriculture Information System We are living in IT world. If we see developed nations then we come to know that we are lagging so behind... Internet is fast emerging as a powerful medium of advertising in the new millennium. With the number of Internet users increasing manifold, the new medium is viewed as the advertiser's dream. The Internet is a tool enabling businesses to reach literally millions of new customers each month. The Internet is redefining the relationship between businesses and consumers, for the first time in history a small to medium sized company now can reach all over the globe to share information about it's products and services. Now your business can advertise and reach customers on a global scale that just a few years ago was available to only a hand full of large corporations. One advantage to advertising on the internet is the fact that the it is always on. Your businesses image is shared 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. Shoppers can

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS visit your site at their Convenience from the comfort of their own homes.It is like having your doors open 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. Another advantage is the Internet is enabling consumers to purchase from companies outside their geographical location; many items that were once available only in certain areas now are available worldwide thanks to the Internet. Web based system can help in achieving it more easily and effectively. Internet marketing also referred to as I-Marketing, web marketing, online marketing, or EMarketing, is the marketing of products or services over the Internet. With the increased globalization, marketing methods for people like you marketing managers, business owners and entrepreneurs has found wide opportunities of marketing their products, which leads an extensive competition among the various players to achieve better performances.

Today, in the competitive world the survival of the company depends on the innovation of the managers, innovative managers are looking for unique ways to compete more effectively on a local, regional and global basis. The information is being shaped by advances in digital telephone networks, interactive cable television, personal computers, and online services and, finally, the Internet.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Telemedicine

Telemedicine was implemented in the state to improve the health services of the State by providing access of Medical Specialists/ experts from PGI/ IGMC to common man even at PHC/CHC level remotely. 20 remote locations to be connected to IGMC Shimla which will be further connected to PGI Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh is a sparsely populated State with difficult topographical and climatic conditions. The people have to travel large distances on foot or by road to reach the appropriate level of administration to get their jobs done. IGMC Shimla is the only referral hospital and medical institution. Thus Telemedicine has been a great help in providing the services of Medical

Implemented in IGMC and 19 remote locations: CH, Karsog, RH, Chamba, RH, Kullu, RH, Hamirpur, ZH, Mandi, ZH, Rekong Peo, RH, Rampur, CH, Rohroo, RH, Nahan, CH, Banjar, ZH, Dharamshala, CHC, Bharmaur, CHC, Kyelong, CHC, Kyelong, CHC, Tissa, CHC, Pooh, CHC, Janjehli, CHC, Shialai, CHC, Sangrah.Connectivity to these locations has been made over ISDN from BSNL. At 5 places NMLLN is being used for the time being and these would also be shifted to ISDN now. Sanjivani Software is being used for sending/ receiving the data of the patient to PGI/ PHCStaff CPC (Clinical Pathological Conference) from PGI Chandigarh is broadcasted through telemedicine network every wednesday for the use of PG students/ Resident Doctors of IGMC.The following infrastructure has been provided at every telemedicine location/PHC:4Nos. PCs, TV 1Nos, VC equipment, Microscope 1No., X-Ray/ Document Scanner 1No. and ECG Machine 1No.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

OTHER SERVICES OF IT TO PEOPLE


AGiSAC:
Aryabhata Geo-informatics & Space Application Centre (AGiSAC) has been set up under the aegis of State Council for Science, Technology & Environment with an objective to facilitate the use of Geo- informatics for the purposes of developmental planning and decision making in the State.

The following objectives were envisaged for the State Centre: To facilitate decentralized planning and decision making. To facilitate Monitoring and Evaluation of Government Schemes & Programmes. To set up integrated natural resources data management system.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS To provide services/consultancy based on specific user needs in the field of Remote Sensing and GIS. To provide wider usage of geo-spatial applications through simultaneous support systems/ software. To promote the use of SATCOM networks for distant interactive training and education in the State.

Domain of Services
Geo-Informatics
AGiSAC shall endeavour for conceptualization, creation and organization of multi-purpose common digital database for sectoral/integrated decision support Systems.

Remote Sensing
For Inventorization, Mapping, Developmental Planning and Monitoring of Natural & Manmade Resources.

Global Navigation Satellite System


For Location based services, Geo-referencing, Engineering Application and Research.

Cartography
For Thematic Mapping and Value added maps.

Photogrammetry
For creation of Digital Elevation Models, Terrain Characteristics & Resource Planning.

Software Development
For wider usage of Geo-spatial applications, Decision Support Systems (Desktop as well as Web based).

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Mapping services
Mapping services to the Governments and Non-Governments Organizations for planning, documentation and other purposes. Mapping services for Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Plan (EMP). Mapping solutions to the Governments and Non-Governments Organizations for the purpose of EIA and EMP preparation and implementation monitoring.

PMIS(Personnel Management Information System)


The PMIS (eService Book) is a web based application where the Service book of all the Regular Employees of all the Departments is maintained. It covers the detail of the employee e.g. (Joining, Promotions, Leave details etc.). The specific department can enter/update the Personnel records of their employees on this application.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

VAHAN & SARATHI


Vahan is a workflow based application being used for issuance of Registration Certificates and Permits for Vehicles whereas Sarthi is used for issuance of all types of Licenses related to Learners, Conductors and Drivers. These applications are running at all eGovernance Centers .

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

E-Kalyan (Welfare Pension Disbursement MIS)


District Welfare Office has one of the main responsibilities of disbursing the Welfare Pensions to Widows, Old Aged, Handicapped, and Lepers. The requests from eligible pensioners are received in the DWO offices through the Tehsil Welfare Officers. The Money Orders are sent quarterly to all the pensioners, which on average are around 3500 in the Kinnour district (total about 1,57,000 in the whole State). Preparation of MOs. for these many pensioners manually is a very laborious and time-consuming activity. The purpose of the application is to maintain the Pensioners details and generating the MOs. for dispatch, Quarterly. The acknowledgements are also recorded and monitored subsequently. The monitoring of returned and not received money orders is also done effectively. The financial statements required to be prepared for the money disbursed or returned etc. are also generated in the system. It also generates various other MIS reports required by the higher authorities from time to time.It has proved to be of immense use to the staff in the District Welfare Office by way of eliminating their drudgery involved in preparing the M.Os. And keeping track of their acknowledgements etc. The accounts preparation work has also become easy and accurate. Not only the Welfare Department, the computerisation has

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS benefited the Department of Posts also, in efficiently dealing with the so much bulk of M.Os., and delivering them to the dire needy pensioners in time.

eKosh
The eKosh SW is an integrated web-version SW comprising of eVitran, Onilne Treasury Information System and eBudget software. The bills presented by DDOs against the budget distributed to them by the HoDs are booked in the treasuries and MIS reports are generated by matching the expenditure with allocated budget and its distribution. Therefore, reports at Departmental level are available to the Heads of Departments for Monitoring, Control and Reconciliation of their budget. Similarly, all reports are accessible to the respective DDOs also. The most important part is that the Budget Section of the Finance Department uses eKosh reports to find out the departments who are unable to spend their budget and hence these unspent or unused amounts are used to reallocate the budget to other departments. This data is very helpful in preparation of the supplementary budget which is generated automatically through surrender and additional allocation.

eVitran
The eVitran SW picks up Budget from the eBudget Software implemented for the HP Finance Department for generation of various Budget Books. This HoD wise Budget data is used in the eVitran SW for distribution to various Departmental DDOs by the HoDs. The online copy of the distributed budget is used in the Treasuries for controlling the expenditure as the budget distributed to the DDO is matched against the balance budget available to the

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS DDOs for passing the various expenditure bills presented in the Treasuries.

Technology and rural development


There is an ongoing scientific discussion concerning the theoretical concept of rural development. It is important to differentiate development in a rural area from development of a rural area. The first defines a rural area as a place of development, i.e. of markets, businesses, etc. The latter implies defining it as a specific rural community that has a political and cultural identity, and that is more than an arena of trends that is ubiquitous (Storgaard et al. 1993). A key question is whether diffusion of technology into rural areas will imply increased dependence of the national economy. Or will it lead to more local based, indigenous developments, and by that creating more sustainable local economies? Indigenous development is related to self-reliance, which can be associated to three basic ideas to work for development of people, and not things to develop a region through autonomy, by increasing the utilization of own physical resources, knowledge and creativeness, etc. to aim at breaking down outside controlled structures, and define own goals for development. There are, however, a number of problems related to this strategy. It may imply reduced trade and a slowdown of industrialization and other modernization processes. Such consequences require counter measures that can stimulate trade and industrial development such that local economies can increase their internal coherence, e.g. through cooperation and mutual assistance, and not accept split and rule tactics from outside (Galtung et al. 1980). Some research findings suggest that the positive visions of progress in rural areas through new technologies have proven difficult to realize, as new and enduring economic crisis has falsified visions in face of reality and facts. Gillespie and Goddard (1990) argue that telecommunications is a necessary, butfar from sufficient mechanism for regional development. They suggest that telecommunication strategies cannot be deployed without reference to the form of development one obtains in a particular region. For example, the dominant form of development in less favored regions is that of the

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS branch plant economy, associated as it is with high level of external control, low local multipliers and a narrow range of technical skills. This form, described as fordist, the internal economic structure of the region is highly fragmented and incoherent in terms of indigenous linkages.

IT, Economics and Development


In abstract, there are two types of potential economic gains from the use of IT. First, there are both static and dynamic efficiency gains:

Static gains are one-time, and come from more efficient use of scarce resources, allowing higher consumption in the present. It is useful to distinguish two kinds of static efficiency gains. One kind pertains to increases in operating efficiency, while the other comes from reduced transaction costs. In both cases, the channel for gains is through more effective and lower cost information storage, processing and communication.

Dynamic gains come from higher growth, potentially raising the entire future stream of consumption. The second type of potential benefit comes from reductions in economic inequality, to the extent that such reductions are an agreed-upon social goal, and therefore a social benefit.

The two types of gains may conflict, if growth requires increased inequality, or they may be mutually reinforcing, where broad sharing of the benefits of growth enhances the rate of growth. We can discuss the role of IT in achieving greater economic gains along both dimensions, without having to commit to a particular position on the relationship between inequality and growth. However, a focus on using IT for rural development is, at least on the surface, supportive of reduced inequality along with increased efficiency and growth. Turning to specific impacts, note that IT involves the electronic processing, storage and communication of information, where anything that can be represented in digital form is included in the term information. Thus news, entertainment, personal communications,

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS educational material, blank and filled-out forms, announcements, schedules, and so on are all information. Software programs that process data (searching, tabulating, and calculating, for example) are also information in this sense, representing a particular kind of intermediate good. We can use standard economic characterizations to classify the different kinds of information. For example, entertainment, personal communications, and sometimes news, are final goods. Educational material, job announcements, or some kinds of news (weather news for farmers, for example) are intermediate goods, typically used for improving incomeearning opportunities. IT dramatically increases share ability of information, and this affects the economics of private provision of information goods and services.

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
For both government and private provision, one of ITs main direct benefits is in Increasing efficiency by economizing on resource use in the operations of firms as well as in market transactions. Information that would otherwise be conveyed through face-to face contact, post, courier, print delivery, telegraph or telephone may instead be communicated in digital electronic form via the Internet. Efficiency gains from Internet use are not automatic: the telephone, in particular, is an efficient means of communication for many types of information. IT also requires new investment, so the benefits of trips, time and paper saved must be weighed against the costs of installing and maintaining the new infrastructure. Efficiency benefits of IT are not restricted to the communication itself. IT can improve the efficiency of the telephone network, and it can make it possible to track and analyze communications. Word processing, maintaining accounts, inventory management, and other such activities that may not require long-distance communications are also made more efficient by IT. IT increases the efficiency of education delivery to the broader population, this investment in people (human capital acquisition) is also likely to lead to higher growth.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS IT may also have positive impacts through impacts on the innovation process. Forexample, IT can make innovation easier by allowing simulation and low-cost testing ofnew designs or searching through possible chemical compounds for beneficial drugs. Finally, IT may speed the diffusion of innovations through better communications, whichmay stimulate further innovation though this last channel is speculative.

Rural Development Schemes in India


Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): This is a scheme launched and fully sponsored by the Central Government of India. The main objective of the scheme is to connect all the habitations with more than 500 individuals residing there, in the rural areas by the means of weatherproof paved roads. Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY): This was implemented as a total package with all the characteristics of self employment such as proper training, development of infrastructure, planning of activities, financial aid, credit from banks, organizing self help groups, and subsidies. Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY): This scheme aims at increasing the food protection by the means of wage employment in the rural areas which are affected by the calamities after the appraisal of the state government and the appraisal is accepted by the Ministry of Agriculture. Indira Awaas Yojana (Rural Housing): This scheme puts emphasis on providing housing benefits all over the rural areas in the country.

Rural Development in India-Organizations


Department of Rural Development in India: This department provides services such as training and research facilities, human resource development, functional assistance to the DRDA, oversees the execution of projects and schemes.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS Haryana State Cooperative Apex Bank Limited: The main purpose of the Haryana State Cooperative Apex Bank Limited is to financially assist the artisans in the rural areas, farmers and agrarian unskilled labor, small and big rural entrepreneurs of Haryana. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development: The main purpose of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is to provide credit for the development of handicrafts, agriculture, small scaled industries, village industries, rural crafts, cottage industries, and other related economic operations in the rural sector. Sindhanur Urban Souharda Co-operative Bank: The main purpose of the Sindhanur Urban Souharda Co-operative Bank is to provide financial support to the rural sector.

Rural Business Hubs (RBH): RBH was set up with the purpose of developing agriculture. The Rural Business Hubs Core Groups helps in the smooth functioning of the Rural Business Hubs

Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART): The main purpose of this organization is to promote and organize the joint venture, which is emerging between the Government of India and the voluntary organizations pertaining to the development of the rural sector.

Role of IT in Agriculture (rural area)


In the context of agriculture, the potential of information technology (IT) can be assessed broadly under two heads :

(a) as a tool for direct contribution to agricultural productivity and (b) as an indirect tool for empowering farmers to take informed and quality decisions which will have positive impact on the way agriculture and allied activities are conducted.

Precision farming, popular in developed countries, extensively uses IT to make direct contribution to agricultural productivity. The techniques of remote sensing using satellite technologies, geographical information systems, and agronomy and soil sciences are used to

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS increase the agricultural output. This approach is capital intensive and useful where large tracts of land are involved. Consequently it is more suitable for farming taken up on corporate lines. The indirect benefits of IT in empowering Indian farmer are significant and remains to be exploited. The Indian farmer urgently requires timely and reliable sources of information inputs for taking decisions. At present, the farmer depends on trickling down of decision inputs from conventional sources which are slow and unreliable. The changing environment faced by Indian farmers makes information not merely useful, but necessary to remain competitive.

EXPECTED Role of ICT in Rural Development


Since the dawn of independence, concerted efforts have been made to ameliorate the living standard of rural masses. So, rural development is an integrated concept of growth, and poverty elimination has been of paramount concern in all the five year plans. Rural Development (RD) programmes comprise of following: Provision of basic infrastructure facilities in the rural areas e.g. schools, health facilities, roads, drinking water, electrification etc. Improving agricultural productivity in the rural areas. Provision of social services like health and education for socio-economic development. Implementing schemes for the promotion of rural industry increasing agriculture productivity, providing rural employment etc. Assistance to individual families and Self Help Groups (SHG) living below poverty line by providing productive resources through credit and subsidy.

Communication has been seen by a large number of development planners as a panacea for solving major social evils and problems. Apart from development, the introduction of communication in the educational process for open and distance learning is seen as step towards improving the quality of education and bridging the social and educational gap. ICT

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS can be used towards betterment of education, agriculture, social awareness and health and hygiene.

Experiences and experiments


Communication has been seen by a large number of development planners as a panacea for solving major social ills and problems. Apart from development, the introduction of communication in the educational process for open and distance learning is seen as step towards improving the quality of education and bridging the social and educational gap. However, experience indicates that those rich who could afford to have access to private resources have hogged the advantage whether development or education. In this respect it seems that communication technology has, in no way has helped the poor for improving their socio-economic condition. Primarily the responsibility of rural development remained with the government. In the pre-economic liberalization period, i.e. before 1992 broadcast media were used to reach the large rural population or target groups for the rural development projects. In the post economic liberalization period, rural development projects added information and communication technology (ICT) to provide individual need based information in broad development areas through Internet.

IT and Indian Agriculture in the Future

Technologically it is possible to develop suitable systems, as outlined in the previous

sections, to cater to the information needs of Indian farmer. User friendly systems, particularly with content in local languages, can generate interest in the farmers and others working at the grassroots. It is possible to create dedicated networks or harnesses the powers of Internet to make

these services are available to all parts of the country.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Our country has the advantage of having a large number of specialized institutions in place catering to various aspects of Indian agriculture. These institutions can play a crucial role in designing the necessary applications & databases and services. This will facilitate modularization of the task better control and help in achieving quick results. As it is, several institutions have already developed systems related to their area of specialization.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Challenges of crop stress, soil problems, natural disasters can be tackled effectively through these technologies. A beginning in precision farming can be encouraged in larger tracts of land in which export potential can be tilted in our countrys favour.

While developing these systems it is necessary to appreciate that major audience that is targeted is not comfortable with computers. This places premium on user friendliness and it may be useful to consider touch screen technologies to improve user comfort levels.

It is often observed that touch screen kiosks, with their intuitive approach, provide a means for quick learning and higher participation. It is also necessary to provide as much content as possible in local languages.

Once the required application packages & databases are in place, a major Challenge is with respect to dissemination of the information. After independence, the government took upon itself the major responsibility of development. Hence, the central and state governments carried out development projects. Two such projects are briefly described.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Radio for Rural Development


Popularly known as Radio Farm Forum was one of the earliest efforts in the use of radio for rural development. The experiment was carried out from February to April 1956 in five districts of Maharashtra State by All India Radio (AIR). Rural listener groups were organized, who would listen to radio broadcasts twice a week at 6.30p.m. for half an hour. The group then stayed together for discussion of what they had heard, the discussion lasted usually, about half an hour, seldom less, frequently more. The summative impact evaluation indicated positive outcome of radio rural forum. Impressive knowledge gains as a result of radio listening were reported across illiterates and literates, agriculturists and nonagriculturists, village leaders and others. However, over a period of time the project withered away.

Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE)


It is considered to be one of the biggest techno-social communication experiments in education and rural development. The one-year experiment (August 1975 - July1976) aimed to provide direct broadcasting of instructional and educational television in 2400 villages in states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan. Over 500 conventional television sets spread over 335 villages in Kheda district, Gujarat was also part of SITE. Satellite technologists had called SITE as leap fogging from bullock cart stage to satellite communication, which did not discriminate between rural poor and urban rich for information and communication. It had given 50 years communication lead to rural poor of the country. SITE provided telecast for rural primary school children in the age group 5 - 12 years studying in grades 1-5. Rural adults viewed television programmes on improved agricultural practices, health and family planning. They were also able to view news. Television was considered as window to the world. The telecast reliability was above

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS 99 per cent during the experiment period. More than 90 per cent direct reception television sets were in working. Both quantitative (survey) and qualitative in-depth (anthropological holistic study) evaluation indicated modest gains in some areas, whereas no gain or negative gain in other areas. The one-year duration was thought to be too little for any positive results. Based on the experiences and positive gains, INSAT satellite was launched in 1981. Since then a series of INSAT satellites have been launched and used for nationwide television telecast for education and development. The sad part is that, in spite of best efforts, satellite television has been used for entertainment more than rural development. I am sad that my prediction came true that satellite television will be used for entertainment and not rural development.

Communication Technology and Rural Development in India could not be operationalised for large-scale implementation in one form or the other. Lack of political will and indifference of bureaucracy killed the rural development project even before it could help poor to take advantage of radio broadcast.

The basic challenges that usage of IT for rural development faces are Illiteracy amongst the vast multitude of people Major power-cuts and 'brown-outs' affecting the country-side ranging from 5 to 12 hours every day. Even though uninterrupted power supply systems are used; yet they prove insufficient to cope up with the power breakdowns Serious band-width issues and connectivity problems. Even though technology is available to upgrade the band-width; not enough resources have been budgeted by the Government to change this scenario. However once a few projects for the up gradation of the band-width on the anvil get commissioned, there should be a significant improvement in the connectivity.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS Financing difficulties encountered by the local grass root level institutions as well as by the state governments. Drastic steps are needed to inject funds for the development of the ICTs in the rural areas; increasingly by the participation of the private sector Acute shortage of project leaders and guides who could ensure implementation of the ICTs at the grass root levels. Unfortunately most professionals want to work in the urban areas where there are ample opportunities available to them for growth as well as prosperity. In the absence of these 'techno-catalytic' resources; development of IT in the rural areas will always be very slow.

Wireless Networks and Rural Development:


Recent developments in wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies areraising new hopes for sustainable Internet diffusion in the rural areas of thedeveloping world. These technologies allow drastic reductions in networkdeployment costs, particularly for last-mile connectivity in low-density areas. More important, the technologies make possible an infrastructure development model based on community-shared resources, small-scale investments, and user

experimentation. This paper argues that the new generation of WLAN technologies can significantly alleviate the constraints that limit Internet connectivity in Latin America to the wealthy, urbanized areas. Yet for this potential to be realized governments must rethink current assumptions about spectrum management and universal service policies. Extending Internet connectivity to rural areas in the developing world involves a delicate cost-benefit balance. While affordable access must be provided (and in some cases strongly subsidized), the social and economic returns must be high enough to enable long-term sustainability. The costs and deployment models associated with wired access technologies have often proved inadequate to strike this balance. Given the appropriate regulatory environment, WLAN technologies can significantly alleviate his problem. Cost advantages enable network deployment in areas

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS previously deemed unprofitable and these technologies also allow local actors to gain an important role in the roll-out of infrastructure and services. This brings muchneeded sustainability to ICT development initiatives, for such actors are typically best positioned to understand the characteristics of local demand for ICT services, as well as to leverage existing social networks and resources.

Rural Development through Information Technology : (A Case Study of Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh, India)
The present study is an attempt to know how information technology is playing a significant role in the development of the rural society. It is a case study of gyandoot of Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. Information Kiosks/Gyandoot is based on a PCO model. It provides different kind of services to the rural masses to improve their quality of life. The services are concerned with their regular routine such as agriculture, education, health. social relation, product marketing, administration, planning and current information needs. Kiosks managers are basically computer operators and works as a facilitator between information system and servcies rendered to rural people. In this system gram panchayat and zilla panchayat both the bodies play important role in the establishment of the kiosks. They are involved in the selection of Kiosks Manager and providing finance regarding the establishment of the kiosks.

To fulfil the objectives of the study the views of kiosks managers and rural people and government officials were taken and analysed thereafter. The findings of the study are as under:

The use of information technology in rural areas of Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh is definitely fruitful for the development of the rural society. Besides having several constraints from service providers, government officials, gyandoot samiti, rural people are availing required information like mandi rates (marketing of agricultural products), certificates (caste, domicile), complaints (government employees, village

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS problem), gram haat, gram dak, land records (khasara, B1), marraige proposal, teevradoot tatkal bulayen (doctor, patwari etc.), sawaliram (education) and driving license. As far as transparency in administration is concerned, the role of information system is positive but beaurocrates are not playing their role in such manner as desired. The rural people are satisfied with some sort of servcies available with the centre like certificates, complaints and land records but have grievances for some services and persons involved the the information system.

Suggestions
The service providers are facing several problems like connectivity, electricity and other infrastructural facilities. The minimum infrastructural facilities should be available so that kiosks may be function smoothly. Kiosk managers must be sincerely to their job, modest, well trained, up-to-date knowledge of computer and familiarity with the rural environment. The cooperation from administrators, beaurocrates should be there so that soochak may be able to do their job. There must be a system to monitor the services of system every six month involving low profile people rural masses.

Conclusion of case study


The information technology is not a magic stick by which one may go to bring miracle change in the rural masses. It may be one of the essential institutional structure contributing to modernization of agriculture, health, education, social and economic development. As we know development is a process which takes couple of years to change the rural life. Thus information technology will definitely be in a position to change the scenario of rural life and create a better path for rural development.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

CONCLUSION AND NEED OF IMPROVEMENT


Information and Communication Technology has great relevance in todays world. If implemented properly ICT can surely bridge the gap between economically and technology backward and forward classes. With the IT boom in India technology is easily accessible to the government machineries with relevantly cheaper and convenient manner. Proper training and implementation of ICT programmes in simple way and language which is easily understandable by the rural people can surely bring about revolution in rural development.

Need of Improvement:
For Making a developed State, we will have to propagate Information Technology (IT) in rural India. Thus, technological advancement is necessary for every nook and corner. Information is power and power is information. Without information there can be no growth. Now information is penetrating into rural India as well, because without its presence there, we cannot think about development of the entire country.

The following Point need to be looked into for development of rural area: First of all, there is a great need to make a policy for promoting IT in rural area. There should be a strong infrastructure for IT. Broadband facility is still non-existent for rural people. There Should be a Proper Monitoring team to monitor E-Governance Project in Rural area. Agriculture is the main source of Rural Area So Govt. Should to start E-Business Scheme in Rural area .For example ITC introduced e-Choupal Scheme (Internetbased interventions in rural Farmers) Licensed software is not cost effective. Without heavy funding, we cannot provide facilities of IT to rural Area. Even maintenance of hardware and software is not easy and cost effective. So need big budget for rural area. Lack of knowledge of English is also a big obstacle in Rural Area..So Need Professional Teacher.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS Connecting the unconnected Panchayats & villages with Urban area and to improve the

quality of State highways & district roads. Improve the quality of IT education in rural areas. In rural areas, primary education is

still vital. If we are speaking about development of rural Area, it cannot be comprehensive without

development of agriculture. IT may be an effective tool for development of agricultural output. IT related tools are very successful in making Connecting between rural hospitals and

city hospitals. Because Rural healthcare is a prime source of concern to improve social structure of rural Area.. Development of effective websites to enable rural youths to learn everything at the click

of a mouse. For this there should be proper internet connection.. Regular workshops and multiplicity of training programs may also support the use of IT

as a device for employment. Communications through e-mails should be entertained in every office as this is the only

transparent and efficient mode of communication all over the world. The Govt. Departments should address public queries about problems in implementing

different Government pilicies through websites etc. In Rural School there should be Provision of Digital Teaching System or Digital Class

Room All Departments should be connected with website right from State Headquarters to

Panchayat level and trained computer operators should be put on services with good pay scales on regular basis.

All offices of public dealing should be connected with computer and internet facilities.

Therefore public can receive all information regarding their works/grievances without filing application in RTI cell.

The Govt. Should to sets up Computer Labs in Government Schools, Provides

Multimedia Content in regional language, testing and certification in computer education, full time assistants as well as teacher training, monitoring and supervision.

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Govt. Should To Promote E-Learning System in Rural School.

Generate maximum employment opportunities to the people of the State.

Govt. Should to provide low cost computer to rural student. IIT has developed low cost

computers which can work on low power consumption and are suited to Indian rugged conditions..

Area Govt. Should to establish an IT infrastructure based Rural Business Centers with all

the facilities.

Agri-Horti Business which could never grow in Rural Area or India due to lack of proper

infrastructure of Roads, Hotels, Power, water or time saving air travel..Govt should to act as a Middel Man between Farmers and Buyer .Govt should to start some good e-Goverrance Scheme in rural area like "e-Choupal" "Kisan Soochna-Vyapaar Kendra" RuralBazar.

Area Govt. Should to focus on Rural Tourism Scheme like "Rural Tourism"

Govt. Should to start Digital Learning Resources in Rural School..

DIGITAL LEARNING RESOURCES

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT DIMENSIONS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROLE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREA IMPACT OF IT IN RUAL PEOPLE LIFE IT IN RURAL EDUCATION ROLE OF IT IN RURAL BANK Why Internet Advertising and Marketing is Essential for Development of Rural area TELEMEDICINE OTHER SERVICES OF IT DOMAIN OF SERVICES TECHNOLOGY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IT, ECONOMICS AND DEVELOPMENT ROLE OF GOVERNMENT RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IN INDIA RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIAN ORGANISATION EXPECTED ROLE OF ICT IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES AND EXPERIMENTS IT AND INDIAN AGRICULTURE IN THE FUTURE THE BASIC CHALLENGES THAT USAGE OF IT FACES FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT WIRELESS NETWORK AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

CASE

STUDY

(Rural

Development

through

Information

Technology : (A Case Study of Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh, India))


CONCLUSION AND NEED OF IMPROVEMENT

IT FOR RURAL PROGRESS

MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND CHANGE MS 102 MBA 2nd Semester (2012-13)

GROUP ASSIGNMENT (Project) On INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL PROGRESS

Submitted By: PRERITHA M (04814803912) TIMSY DHINGRA (04914803912) PRACHI GUPTA (05014803912) NIKHIL GUPTA (05114803912) PARINITA POPLI (05214803912) GOLDIE NISCHAL (05314803912)

Submitted To: Dr. Vijay Kr. Khurana Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology MAIT, Sector-22, Rohini, Delhi-110086 Affiliated to GGS IP University, Delhi

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