6.4.4. Information, and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

Information, and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is an umbrella term that includes computer hardware and software, digital broadcast and telecommunications technologies. ICTs have been used for informing people.

ICTs refer to a broad range of technologies and tools that assist in the creation, storage, management, and communication of information. This includes hardware like computers and mobile devices, software applications, and telecommunications technologies that enable communication over distances. Essentially, ICTs form the backbone of modern communication methods, allowing for efficient sharing and processing of information.

Think of ICTs as the digital toolbox that allows us to connect and share ideas, similar to how a traditional toolbox contains different tools for various tasks. Just as a toolbox helps a carpenter build a house, ICTs help people build connections and organize information.

In both poor and wealthy countries, mobile phone use has enabled and facilitated the expansion of markets, social business and public services. An entire range of economic services, enabled by mobile phones, have enabled banking and financial transactions, marketing and distribution, employment and public services.

The advent of mobile phones has significantly influenced economies worldwide, boosting market accessibility and facilitating business transactions. In developing regions, for instance, mobile banking allows individuals to make financial transactions without needing traditional banking infrastructure. This accessibility empowers local entrepreneurs, creates job opportunities, and enhances service delivery in sectors such as health and education.

Imagine a small farmer in a rural area using a mobile phone to connect with buyers from the city. Instead of relying on middlemen who often underpay them, they can sell their produce directly, increasing their income. This represents how ICTs can pave the way for economic empowerment.

A more direct approach to the use of ICTs aimed at bettering the lives of the poor is through the setting up of tele-centres. Many projects were started in India over the last decade or so and there is a sizeable research literature on the topic, some of which will be summarised here.

Tele-centres are community hubs equipped with ICT tools that provide access to information and services, particularly to those lacking resources. These centres can offer a variety of services such as computer training, internet access, and information dissemination, strengthening the community's capacity for self-improvement. They are especially beneficial as they bridge the digital divide, allowing marginalized groups to gain skills and access critical information.

Consider a village that sets up a tele-centre, where locals can learn to use computers and access online resources. It's like having a library but with computers and internet access—empowering villagers to upgrade their skills and participate in the digital world.

For example: The Sustainable Access in Rural India (SARI) project in the state of Tamilnadu: Some 80 tele-centre kiosks were set up offering a range of services including basic computer education, e-mail, web browsing and various e-government services including the provision of certificates.

The SARI project is an example of a successful initiative using ICT to improve accessibility in rural regions. By establishing tele-centres, it provided necessary services such as e-government access, allowing villagers to obtain certificates and provide essential information without traveling long distances. This initiative not only enhances individual capabilities but also aids in community development by facilitating access to governmental services.

Think of a student who could not obtain their educational certificate due to distance and lack of transportation. With the help of a tele-centre that offers online services, they can now access, apply for, and receive their certificate from the comfort of their village, thus saving time and effort.

Empowering Women at the Grassroots: SEWA and ICTs. The Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) is a union of several thousand poor women working in the informal sector in India. SEWA’s aim is to achieve full employment and self-reliance for women workers by focusing both on work and support in other related areas like income, food and social security.

SEWA leverages ICT to empower women in the informal sector by providing them access to resources, training, and tools necessary for their development. Through programs that teach them to use technology, women gain skills that enable them to communicate effectively and access critical information which can improve their livelihoods. This empowerment leads to greater self-reliance and economic independence.

Imagine a woman who has always sold handmade crafts, but has struggled to reach customers. SEWA trains her to use social media and online marketplaces, allowing her to sell her products widely, thus increasing her income and self-sufficiency by utilizing digital platforms.

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