The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is actively supporting a nationwide initiative to establish RuTAGe Smart Village Centres. These centres aim to bring cutting-edge technology directly to rural communities through strategic partnerships with academic institutions, civil society organizations, and philanthropic partners.
First Centre Launches in Karnataka
Nitte, recognized as a Deemed to be University, will inaugurate the very first RuTAGe Smart Village Centre on January 21st. The centre will operate from two locations: Nitte GP in Udupi district and the Nitte Health Centre at Sevanjali Trust in Farangipete, which falls under Dakshina Kannada district.
Execution and Local Collaboration
In South India, the Section Infin-8 Foundation, commonly known as SI-8, is responsible for executing this important programme. Vishwas US, the founder-director of SI-8, addressed reporters on Monday. He explained that experts from both the university and SI-8 will collaborate closely with local farmers, students, youth, and entrepreneurs. Their primary goal is to adapt and deploy technologies that specifically address local needs and challenges.
Showcasing Practical Technologies
Professor Iddya Karunasagar, who heads the project for Nitte DU, provided detailed insights into the technologies that will be showcased. The RSVCs will feature a wide array of solutions focused on agriculture, energy, skill development, and assistive tools.
The agricultural technologies include:
- Solar dryers designed for preserving fruits, vegetables, and various crops.
- Practical soil-testing solutions to help farmers optimize their land.
- Power weeders and specially designed women-friendly farm tools to ease labor.
- Efficient grain storage systems to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Equipment for grass-cutting and tree-climbing to improve safety and efficiency.
Other innovations feature:
- Wind-powered devices tailored for rural artisans.
- Systems that produce liquid fertilizer from cowshed waste, promoting sustainable farming.
Digital Access and Inclusive Platforms
Aravind C Kumar, the CEO of SI-8, emphasized the digital aspect of the centres. He stated that the RSVCs will provide communities with access to crucial digital and knowledge-based platforms. These platforms include applications from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), various government scheme portals, and tools for better market linkages. The centres will also offer gamified learning resources to make education engaging. Importantly, they will incorporate assistive technologies specifically designed for persons with visual impairments, ensuring inclusivity.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, highlighted the broader vision behind this initiative. He remarked that this project demonstrates how applied research can effectively bridge the persistent divide between rural and urban areas. By bringing technology to villages, the initiative contributes directly to the creation of self-reliant, technology-enabled communities.
Philanthropic Support and Long-Term Vision
This ambitious initiative received crucial philanthropic support from Dr. NC Murthy of ACM Business Solutions, LLC, based in the USA. Dr. Sapna Poti, the Director of Strategic Alliances at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, outlined the long-term goal. She explained that the ultimate aim is to build self-sufficient communities. These communities will not only adopt technology but also generate their own sustainable livelihoods, ensuring lasting economic and social development.
