From fred@bytesforall.org Sun Sep 29 13:09:05 2002
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2002 11:01:48 +0530 (IST)
From: Frederick Noronha 
Reply-To: gkd@phoenix.edc.org
To: gkd@phoenix.edc.org
Subject: [GKD] Infodev Looks to India's Software Initiatives

World Bank's InfoDev looks to India software initiatives to fight poverty

By Frederick Noronha

BARAMATI, June 3: India may have huge problems in battling poverty, but
growing IT skills here are spilling over to also finding relevant
solutions, as the World Bank's program's to promote information and
communication technologies (ICTs) globally is finding.

"A lot seems to be happening (in this country). Certainly, in terms of
capabilities India stands a better chance," the Washington-based World
Bank InfoDev's program administrator Vivek S. Chaudhry told this
correspondent here.

InfoDev is the World Bank's information-for-development programme. It
seeks to promote information and communication technology for socio and
economic development, though some of its initiatives have earned
criticism for the large outlays.

Baramati, a two hour's drive from the central Indian city of Pune, was
the venue for the 'Second Annual Baramati Initiative on ICT and
Development', held here on the weekend. Propelled by an expat-Indian
headed initiative, this is the second such annual meeting.

In a recent competition for grants, several project proposals -- around
10 to 15 from a total of 225 -- came in from India. "India had the
largest number of proposals (among any country). Others also came in
from the Philippines, from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, a lot from
Russia, Eastern Europe too," said Chaudhry.

Recently, InfoDev has also offered project support and grants for an
'e-readiness' study in India. Besides, it is also in the process of
supporting a plan for an India-gateway for developmental information.

"Both are being implemented through the (Union government's) Ministry of
Information Technology," said Chaudhry.

Besides InfoDev also has three to four ongoing grants, including one for
the HoneyBee network (promoting traditional wisdom in Gujarat and
elsewhere), a plan to use hand-held computing devices for health-care in
Andhra, and the recently-completed Project SITA in Delhi meant for
training women in the field of ICTs (information and communication
technologies).

"We are in the process of finalising a grant for developing a research
network for the expansion of computers to primary schools," said
Chaudhry.

'Country gateways' for InfoDev -- one of which is planned to be set up
in India too -- will to nodal points that will try be independently
owned and operated, but would get a start-up grant.

"Those running it would depend on their priorities. It would be like a
Yahoo (a mega-search information and one-stop shop) for development
information," said Chaudhry.

His job is to administer the grants, (oversee) the evaluation process
and administer that. "We then enter into joint agreements, and appoint
task-managers (to see that projects are successfully carried through),"
said Chaudhry.

"Of course, many proposals received are fine. But the question is
whether (in reality) they would have an impact, and whether (those
behind them) would be able to deliver," said he.

After coming in for criticism for its role globally, the World Bank is
now showing more concern for issues of poverty and development, and the
Bank now argues that any 'knowledge economy' needs strong, widespread
and efficient IT networks.

World Bank argues that an information infrastructure "contributes to
poverty reduction by increasing productivity" and providing new
opportunities. It is also seen as a vehicle for "efficient delivery" of
public administration and public services. Besides, it could play a role
in ensuring transparency and good governance.

But there are cautionary voices against trying out an ICT solution in
just about any setting. World Bank Group's Information and Communication
Sector Strategy Paper task manager Robert Schware plays devil's
advocate.

"We have a universal belief that ICTs (Information and Communication
Technologies) are good for all students. However the cost of learning
with a PC works out to Rs 80 per hour. Face-to-face instruction with
teacher costs Rs 5 per hour. Interactive radio learning costs Rs 4 per
hour. What are the advantages that justify such costs?" he asked at
Baramati.

Venue to the meet was Baramati's VIIT (Vidya Pratishthan's Institute of
Information Technology), a Rs 100 million engineering college and plush
educational complex built in the midst of fields and rural poverty.

These settings are considered the stronghold of politician and former
Indian defence minister Sharad Pawar, who wields obvious clout in the
area and is behind the setting up of this plush institution in the
middle of virtually no-where where young Indians seek to become
engineers for a fee of roughly Rs 32,000 (US$750) in fees per year, says
college officials.

Outside the plush campus, you can feel the poverty. For the ride back to
Pune city, the owner of a Tata Sumo -- a hardy jeep-like new-modelled
vehicle ideally suited for the rough terrain of rural India -- shares
the cost of fuel by picking-up passengers along the route.

Waiting in the four-wheeler are rural women and men, totalling 14 at
peak load, and four children. Along the journey, they discuss the two
additional fly-overs being built. It's going to make the journey faster.
But costlier.

Oddly, the owner of the Sumo charges the same amount as the bus, and
promises to get there faster. "Don't pay fifty rupees (just over US$1)
as the rate is Rs 45. If you pay more, he'll charge us too," confides a
fellow passenger.



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