CRS ICT4D Conference

In recent time, the understanding of poverty has undergone significant changes. It's no longer viewed as being restricted to material deprivation, but encompasses intangible aspects. This approach to poverty is also reflected in the MDGs, which addresses the multiple and interrelated dimensions of poverty and development. The role of ICT is catalytic in this complex task of poverty reduction by leveraging effects on earnings opportunities, on educational and health services, on good governance and on promoting democracy.  Information is not a magic cure for hunger or poverty. However, the right information at the right time can help in finding a solution. ICTs have proven that they can help to aid sustainable development when used appropriately, with the full participation of all stakeholders, especially the poor. The intrinsic value of ICTs lie not in easing communications and information but rather in enabling growth and development. In a country like India, where a vast section of the population is below the poverty line, ICTs offer a chance to empower these people and transform them into productive human capital. With the emergence of highly competitive production economies, the key for rapid development lies in building a knowledge-based society. The challenge is to be able to use ICT for the creation of new knowledge for all human endeavours. Traditionally, a nation moves through three stages of economic development, from agriculture to manufacturing and then to services. However, in the current information era, it is possible to move in parallel. But this would require national efforts in human capacity building. The paper will brief about the TechnoCottage model (ICT center in a remote village of Odisha) for poverty eradication and promote economic growth towards empowerment and opportunity.