Technology to make difference in existing lifestyle

Media Labs Asia (MLA), a joint venture between the Government of India and Media Labs, has taken the lead here. This is a non-profit organization with seed funding from the government of India. MLA is a network of R&D institutions attempting to bring the "benefits of new technologies to everyone". Towards that end, it aims to build partnerships with research institutions, industry and NGOs. 

Headquartered in IIT Mumbai, MLA has already embarked on a couple of interesting ideas. The most interesting project, targeted at enabling micro-credit financing for villagers, is called Hisaab. The new software, in its final stages of readiness, is expected to make it easy for villagers to undertake complex financial transactions. Hisaab not only makes the account-keeping process simpler, but also ensures that people with low-literacy skills can use this new package. Instead of names and text, the software uses more numbers. It is easier for the semi-literate to read numbers. The project has received favorable response from agencies working amongst rural poor in Tamil Nadu and

Madurai.

Other interesting areas that the organization is working on include developing a code for universal language to overcome the hurdle of language barrier. The initiative code named Universal Networking Language (UNL) would enable expressions written in English to be language-independent. Software systems are expected to convert reports, statements, anecdotes, etc. in multiple languages into UNL expressions.

MLA also tests the effectiveness of design and usability in interface tools since it is meant for non-technical users. The center is working on development and prototyping sensors for water quality assessment and blood parameter estimation. 

Role of NGOs



Any discussion on attempts to bridge the digital divide would be incomplete without referring to the role played by NGOs.

The Intel Computer Clubhouse has Katha as an integral part of the project. Mahajan of Katha Khazana, summed up the relationship as "Corporate investments on welfare projects doesn't always meet the desired objectives because they are not experts in managing such activities. So, Intel does what it is best at doing--providing infrastructure. And we do what we are best at--social work." 

Elsewhere we have other NGOs sometimes working on their own to make a difference in their lives through the deployment of technology. Delhi-based Tarahaat has focussed on providing employment to rural youths by setting up kiosks, which would sell need-based information and relevant skills to rural folks. The kiosks are franchised to the rural youths with the NGO concentrating on developing relevant course and content for rural folks like personality development, medical advice and such other needs. The NGO also undertakes awareness campaigns and promotional activities to drive business to the kiosks.

Center for IT Services and Activities (C-IT) another Kerala-based NGO is working amongst rural unemployed youths to set up kiosks to provide basic services to the rural poor. Kerala has a huge migrant population across the world. Email is therefore a useful tool for most villagers here. Surfing the net for matrimony and job opportunities are also popular. Kiosk operators, also trained in DTP work are expected to supplement their income from publishing work that is expected to flow from urban areas. 

CNS