Access to information forms the basis of welfare schemes reaching the rightful beneficiaries in the rural parts of India where it becomes necessary to be able to know about the scope of their entitlements.
In the age of big data where information management takes precedence, there still exists a vast majority of rural population who are not even aware about the information that is necessary to their well being. This huge gap, which keeps widening, is a result of lack of access and awareness about different schemes that are designed to bridge the gap but fall short in being able to reach the potential beneficiaries. Digital Empowerment Foundation has addressed this key issue through its various programs where an entrepreneurial model is set up to ensure that information is made available to everyone in the rural communities.
Soochna Adhikar Kendra is one such centre where such information can be easily accessed. Juli Kumari from Muzaffarpur is pleased to have such a centre in her locality as she narrates her experience, “I am a graduate student. On my way back home, I saw a banner and a board of a SoochnaPreneur Center. I have been thinking for a long time of applying for an e-shram card but was not able to find a proper place. Even if I got some leads, the documentation process was lengthy and costlier. So, when I saw the banner, I decided to pay a visit to the Soochna Adhikar Kendra and know more about the services and charges to apply for an e-shram card. Once I got to know that the complete process will only take 50 rupees, I decided to go ahead with the documentation process as the cost was very minimal compared to other places, which was a huge relief for me.
So, I submitted all the documents that were required, and I was told that the whole process will be done online in 10 minutes.
I was happy that all the documentation process was smooth and it didn’t even take much time for processing. I would suggest other people in my community to visit the centre and know more about the schemes and services and apply according to their needs and requirements.”