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| Simple yet effective e-Governance is a major lifeline requirement of the villages today. Rural areas in the developing world have very few avenues to connect a village to the outside world. The foremost technical challenge today for state and local governments is providing stable data connectivity to remote locations that can serve a multitude of purposes. Another challenge is the availability and organization of data that is useful for these remote communities that are traditionally underserved by the technological infrastructure in India as well as in broader South East Asia. We believe that innovative approaches are needed to build this technical bridge. The challenges faced are significant, including unavailability of power, skilled workers, physical security of the equipment etc.. However, Gramcell firmly believes that there is an opportunity to incrementally test and build models that combine local physical businesses with technical communication hubs by providing them with kiosks that can run multiple platforms needed by a specific community. This will allow us to not only provide customized data but also to help manage this knowledge so it can be used productively in the local business and social environment.
Our services are focused on building and fostering the use of such connecting avenues between the rural communities as well as provide multiple gateways for them to connect with the broader, mainstream economy. Currently, Gramcell is in the process of deploying several multifunctional kiosks in India that provide and expand for a variety of services such as: |
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- Agricultural product & produce sales
- Matrimony services
- Tele medicine
- Local employment opportunities
- Money remittance
- Insurance marketing & information
- Fixed deposits marketing & information
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Gramcell Kiosk
Rural kiosks could provide the first computing experience for as much as 700 million people in India. The sheer number of people who fall into this category is difficult to ignore.
Rural kiosks help impoverished villagers improve their standard of living by expanding livelihood options and empowering them with information, tools, goods, and services (such as education and healthcare). The true challenge is in finding ways to deliver this benefit broadly and consistently, while making kiosk projects economically sustainable in the long term.
Gramcell through its kiosks envisages developing manpower by educating rural people by making them familiar with word processors and spreadsheets, typing lessons so that they can get relatively well-paying data entry jobs.
Correct and accurate but relevant information will be rendered to the working villagers. Market prices for agricultural products, discussion boards for farmers, and remote consultation with experts is further being planned.
These Kiosks are run in close partnership with NGOs/ INGOs. Gramcell has entered into partnership with Chhotelal Sharma Foundation and currently providing services in 2 states and 3 districts. |
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