LAUNCH OF RURAL TECHNOLOGY ACTION GROUP (RUTAGE) SMART VILLAGE CENTER (RSVC) IN MANDAURA, HARYANA

GS 3 – Science and technology

The RSVC was developed under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).

• The center aims to integrate state-of-the-art technologies with rural requirements, improving the quality of life and empowering rural communities through sustainable solutions.
• The concept of RuTAGe was proposed by PSA in 2003-04.

Key Features of the RSVC Model

• Physical Presence: Provides long-term technological support at the Panchayat level, benefiting 15-20 villages with 12 different technology tracks, including Agriculture and Waste Management, among others.
• Market Access: Focuses on partnerships with platforms like ONDC, Amazon, and Market Mitchi to link rural producers to larger markets.
• Scalability: Plans include establishing 20 additional centers and empowering women entrepreneurs through the Techpreneurs program to ensure long-term sustainability.

Role of Technology in Rural Development

• Agricultural Innovation: Platforms like e-NAM help connect farmers with markets, ensuring better prices and transparent trade.
• Entrepreneurship: E-commerce and 3D printing support small businesses by allowing them to access global markets and reduce reliance on imports.
• Education: Initiatives such as PM e-VIDYA and SWAYAM offer online education, improving access to quality learning and narrowing the digital divide.
• Financial Inclusion: Programs like DBT and PM Jan Dhan Yojana enable direct, cashless transfers, decreasing fraud and enhancing transparency.
• Water Management: The National Program on Aquifer Mapping and Management uses technology to monitor groundwater resources, ensuring effective water use in agriculture.

 

 

Investment Strategy

Government Measures to Encourage Technology in Rural Areas

• E-Shram Platform
  Grants unorganized workers access to benefits and social security.
• National Optical Fibre Network
  Connects state capitals, districts, and 2.5 lakh gram panchayats to enhance internet bandwidth and connectivity.
• Digital Land Records Modernization Programme
  Modernizes land records and creates a system tailored to managing land information based on state-specific needs.