Project

Sarvas /सर्वस: Entitle4All

Access to Entitlements for all (सूचना से हक तक) towards wider social security and protection of inaccessible and vulnerable groups and communities

The ‘Sarvas’ programme, focused on improving the lives of Indigenous and tribal communities in the North East Region (NER) of India. This region presents unique challenges with its difficult terrain, remoteness, and hilly areas, often leaving vulnerable groups like the Tea Tribe and Adivasis in Assam disconnected from essential information and government entitlements. The programme aims to bridge this gap by providing affordable and accessible solutions that empower these communities.

What is Cyber Shakti?

Cyber Shakti is an initiative that aims to provide essential skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively by women. It is an empowering initiative designed to enhance digital literacy and cyber security awareness among women groups including rural women entrepreneurs in India, particularly in the North East region. It aims to empower young girls, women, rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs), in rural and urban areas, with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age by enhancing their cyber security awareness and skills. Cyber Shakti is an initiative by the Council for Social and Digital Development (CSDD) and North East Development Foundation, and in partnership with Women in Tech India (WIT) and Women in Tech North-East India Chapter and Audius India.

Access for Aid- Bridging Connectivity in Conflict Zones for Humanatarian Outreach affected by Longest Internet Shutdown in Manipur in North East Himalayan Region of India

Access for Aid is a humanitarian initiative, by the Council for Social and Digital Development (CSDD) and the North East Development Foundation (NEDF) aimed at providing free internet broadband packs to support humanitarian groups and agencies operating in conflict zones affected by prolonged internet shutdowns, since May – June 2023, in 3 districts of Manipur in North East Himalayan Region of India, bordering Myanmar. The project specifically targets locations experiencing ethnic violence between two major indigenous tribal groups, Meitei and Kukis, where access to reliable internet connectivity is critical for coordinating relief efforts, facilitating communication, and accessing vital information.

Digi Samarth – Briding the Digital Divide through Digital and Media and Information Literacy

Digi Samarth stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards enhanced digital and media literacy for individuals and communities. This transformative initiative caters to both basic and advanced needs, empowering users with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Through its comprehensive approach, Digi Samarth equips individuals with the ability to critically evaluate information, discern truth from falsehood, and leverage technology responsibly.

Krisarthak – Enabling 2.5 Lakhs Farmers with Financial Education & Counselling Digitally

Krisarthak – The name has been formed after conjoining the word “Kri” which is taken from Krishi or farming and “Sarthak” which means meaningful or significant. Krisarthak is a program under Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), under ARIAS Society of the Govt. of Assam, supported by the World Bank.

Digital Udyamita(Women Entrepreneurship)

The Digital Udyamini initiative, a joint effort by the Council for Social and Digital Development (CSDD) and the North East Development Foundation (NEDF), aims to bridge the digital divide and empower rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs) in India, with focus on North East India.

Digital Skilling for Livelihood, Employability & Entrepreneurship (DSLEE) for Youths of Tea Tribe & Adivasi Community (TTAC) in Assam

The Tea Tribe & Adivasi (TTAC) community residing in the Tea Gardens in Assam has one of the lowest social and economic indicators. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the community worst with tea production and supply affected, wages became irregular. With no steady, sustainable, affordable access to the internet, digital resources, opportunities and welfare announcements, the community are further excluded and now faces challenges for response, recovery and resilience.

Community Internet Library (CIL)

As in December 2023, with the project design and technical support of the Council for Social and Digital Development (CSDD) and the North East Development Foundation (NEDF), 50 new Community Internet Libraries (CILs) are coming up in 10 districts of Assam and West Bengal, serving the rural and remote tea tribe and Adivasi communities, with access to last mile internet, information, services and opportunities, implemented by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), with the support of the Internet Society Foundation.

Building Opportunities, Leveraging Technology

The project ‘Internet Roshni’ (Light) is implemented to provide last mile internet and digital access for the vulnerable tea tribe & Adivasi community in Assam across 5 districts and 50 remote tea gardens, since 2022. The project with the project design and knowledge support from the Council for Social and Digital Development (CSDD), is implemented by the Digital empowerment Foundation (DEF), with the support of the Internet Society Foundation.

Digital Injot (Light)

The Tea Tribe & Adivasi community residing in the tea gardens constitute 20% of Assam’s population in India. They have been brought to Assam during the colonial rule. Today, the community produces 53% of India’s total tea production, and is the country’s second largest tea producing state.

Krisarthak: Financial Education and Counselling (FEC) of Farmers in Assam

The pilot (Jan – March 2023) reached out to 2834 farmers from 5 value chains in the above mentioned 5 districts. Out of the total beneficiaries, 52.5% are female and 47.5% are male farmers. 37.8% are smartphone users and 58.2% are base phone users. Out of the 1070 smartphone users, 561 have completed the modules in the Bittiya Sakhi / Financial Friend Mobile Chatbot.