ICT Interventions in Rural Development Schemes: A Case of Rupshi Development Block, Assam

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a system or combination of subsystems that amalgamate computers, telecommunication systems, necessary software and various other electronic tools for processing, storing, replicating and retrieving information. ICT enable users to share and disseminate information in real time. India is largely a rural country with more than 68% Indians live in villages. In general term the rural development is a process of transforming socio-economic conditions and living standard of people in the rural areas. ICT is perceived as a major tool for rural development. In perspective to the `Digital India' programme, government departments are in process to reengineer their service delivery mechanisms to serve people in fast, efficient and transparent manner. Several e-Governance projects have been launched for rural development. ePanchayat project is a very important initiative undertaken by the government to strengthen e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across India. Management Information Systems such as NREGASoft, AwaasSoft and a host of Mobiles Apps have been brought into use and are duly integrated with Rural Development (RD) schemes. Many studies have been conducted to understand the role of ICT in rural development. However, specific research on the efficacy of various ICT tools used in the effective implementation of RD schemes are very rare. This paper attempts to explore the extent of ICT initiatives in various ongoing RD schemes focusing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) in reference to the study area. This paper then analyses some of the important indicators of MGNREGS through NREGASoft, the MIS of MGNREGS and various other ICT tools. This study also tried to identify constraints in adapting ICT tools and suggested solutions.