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The Role of ICT in Empowering Rural Indians

The Role of ICT in Empowering Rural Indians

Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Janani Rangarajan, N. Neeraja
Copyright: © 2013 |Pages: 19
ISBN13: 9781466629974|ISBN10: 1466629975|EISBN13: 9781466629981
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-2997-4.ch005
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MLA

Jhunjhunwala, Ashok, et al. "The Role of ICT in Empowering Rural Indians." Social and Economic Effects of Community Wireless Networks and Infrastructures, edited by Abdelnasser Abdelaal, IGI Global, 2013, pp. 75-93. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-2997-4.ch005

APA

Jhunjhunwala, A., Rangarajan, J., & Neeraja, N. (2013). The Role of ICT in Empowering Rural Indians. In A. Abdelaal (Ed.), Social and Economic Effects of Community Wireless Networks and Infrastructures (pp. 75-93). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-2997-4.ch005

Chicago

Jhunjhunwala, Ashok, Janani Rangarajan, and N. Neeraja. "The Role of ICT in Empowering Rural Indians." In Social and Economic Effects of Community Wireless Networks and Infrastructures, edited by Abdelnasser Abdelaal, 75-93. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2013. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-2997-4.ch005

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Abstract

This chapter discusses some attempts over the last decade in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to empower rural communities and those who are socially and economically left behind in India. It begins with discussing the drivers of telecommunication growth in India since the mid-nineties. Then, it addresses the role of the village Internet kiosks in bringing the Internet to remote villages and articulates on the challenges facing the kiosk model. It then touches upon the rapid growth of mobile telephony in rural India. Following this, it discusses a number of attempts that use mobile telephony to empower rural communities. The authors also use multiple case studies to explore the role of ICT in supporting agriculture, delivering healthcare, achieving financial inclusion and improving the overall livelihood of rural communities in India. The key lessons learned include that the “one-size fits all” model does not work for all communities. In addition, involving both local and federal governments is crucial for the success of community-focused initiatives. Moreover, engaging communities and educating them about the benefits of delivered services would help in sustaining such community-focused initiatives.

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