India is one of the emerging neo-liberal economies that have initiated a large number of Information Communication Technology (ICT) projects. The thrust of our ICT programmes is on tele-centre initiatives in rural contexts, based on a community connectivity model that provides computer-related services. Typically, such centres are designed to deliver a host of ICT-based services, including e-government and developmental services of public authorities. Owing to easily available support from donors, several NGOs have initiated several models of ICT.

There is a perception among policy makers, endorsed by global IT conglomerates that this is the primary way to include rural populations in the information society grid. However, ICT initiatives in India, have been designed and implemented without paying due attention to the reality of an inequitable social, economic and cultural systems.

I was recently a witness to the announcement of the funeral ceremony of a local community leader of a dominant caste group through a coastal village information centre that is equipped with a real-time coastal information communication system operated by local groups.

During discussions, what emerged was that the village did not have any burial ground for Dalits. On being asked whether they would telecast news about this gap in facilities, through the village information centre, the person in-charge responded with a resounding ‘no’. It did not matter that this would help reach other villages and garner their support. The reason touted was that it was a sensitive issue that could damage the harmony of the village life.

The centre also provides information about sea lengths, tide velocity, etc. More importantly it transmits information on PFZ (potential fishing zones). These PFZs are locations where fish may be available in abundance. The Hyderabad-based National Coastal Information Service Centre tabulates the data and passes it through ISRO calibrated satellite systems to finally reach the community.

The team which had been excitedly explaining PFZ paused when asked about who were benefited from the initiative. Expectedly, it was the owners of motorised boats. The entry of more and more motorised boats into the sensitive coastal ecosystem damages the marine habitats and consequently wipes off the livelihoods of the marginal communities.

The vicious cycle of poverty is thus perpetuated among these communities. Subsequently, when these families have health and nutrition problems, ICT has a solution in the form of e-medicine programmes through village information centres!

Connectivity, content and service designs are some of the crucial factors that sensitive NGOs need to pay attention to while implementing ICT programmes. The donors need to be sensitised to the needs of marginal communities and ensure that local partners support and have empathy towards them.

Creatively designed and innovative ICTs that not only empower the already victimised communities but also sustain the natural resource base to ensure equitable access for all should be the goal of bringing ICTs to rural communities.

(The writer is programme officer, Svaraj, a Bangalore-based NGO)