While the whole physical network, interactions, engagements have come to a standstill due to Covid-19, it is the digital resources, platforms, solutions and networks that has and can act as a major support mechanism in this crisis. For the vast majority, there are four set of issues that requires immediate attention-

  • Lack of physical and mental health awareness about Covid-19
  • Spread of misinformation, fake news and panic created
  • Lack of information, data, linkages, guidance and facilitation related to public entitlements and resources
  • Livelihood and income strains and access to opportunities.

DEF, keeping this in view, has launched an ICT-enabled and community specific relief programme through virtual community and service facilitation. The 600+ digitally enabled information resource centers and 10,000+ foot soldiers across 25 states and union territories will aid in:

  • Public schemes, welfare measure Information, entitlement facilitation and delivery
  • Support Tele-health & Tele-medicine
  • Internet support;
  • Alternate livelihood opportunities in times of distress
  • Consultation and counselling

According to the survey by DEF, the main source of information for 53% respondents on Covid-19 is through mobiles with Whatsapp ranking the highest. DEF, leveraging this, has designed an ICT-enabled and community specific emergency relief programme through virtual community. The 600+ digitally enabled information resource centers and 10,000+ foot soldiers across 25 states and union territories will aid in public schemes, information dissemination, entitlement facilitation and delivery. Internet support will be extended to facilitate tele-health services along with consultation and counselling.

The aim is to reach over 60,000 households and 3,00,000 individuals with above needs and facilitation. Simultaneously, DEF will create a cadre of 600 Covid-19 Digital Volunteer Force (C-DVFs) for facilitation and deliverance of the services. The idea is to create a model which can be replicated and is scalable for Covid-19 and any other pandemic situations.

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