ICT for Development: Case Studies from India

This publication examines the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for development in rural areas of India. It includes a total of 32 case studies, which are divided into the following thematic areas:

1. ICTs for Rural Governance
2. ICTs for Rural Livelihoods
3. ICTs for Semi-Urban and Urban Governance
4. ICT for Gender Empowerment

For each of the 8 case studies in the above 4 sections, brief information is provided about each project in the following sub-sections:

• Project Description
• Project Implementation
• Metrics and Impact
• Conclusion
• Contact Information

ICT for Development: Case Studies from India is produced as part of a project being executed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This project is implemented by The National Institute for Smart Government (NISG).

From the Preface:
"The issues surrounding the Digital Divide can be grouped under 4 broad areas - those related to Content, Connectivity, Capacity and Capital. Of these, 'Content' (or lack of it!) is, by far, the biggest concern - 'content' meaning applications and services that make economic sense to the rural farmers and artisans, that are available in local language and are affordable. Seeking to address basic problems of the rural areas like poverty, illiteracy and ill-health, using the tools of ICT, amounts almost to begging the question. What we need is creation of innovative, content-rich solutions that work around the challenges posed by lack of infrastructure and resources in the rural areas...

This compilation of case studies in deployment of ICTs for the benefit of the common citizens is an attempt to disseminate knowledge of the limited but important efforts made in different parts of the country. It is, by no means, exhaustive. It is intended to be a living document that is continually enriched through ongoing search and collaboration with all agencies engaged in addressing the issues related to ICT for Development..."