CHAPTER IV AKSHAYA PROJECT AND POPULARISATION OF COMPUTER LITERACY

Transcription

1 CHAPTER IV AKSHAYA PROJECT AND POPULARISATION OF COMPUTER LITERACY Kerala has performed reasonably well in the past in its National Literacy Mission. It has achieved 94.6 per cent literacy which is the highest compared to any Indian State, the highest density of science and technology personnel, 100 per cent digital telephone exchanges and the highest telephone density. Kerala is known for its adaptation to innovative projects. This chapter encompasses a study of a high-profile Information and Communication Technology Project of the Kerala State IT Mission, Akshaya. The application of technology in any society usually creates a technically subaltern group. This marginalisation emerges out of the separation between those people who have access to Information and Communication Technologies and those who do not have. The Akshaya project has been hailed as a high profile project of Kerala IT Mission to introduce computers even to the lowest stratum of the Kerala society. From this back ground this chapter seeks to analyse the impact of this technological application in the society along with finding out the advantages and disadvantages of this innovative project. Back Ground of the Akshaya Project Akshaya is a community oriented ICT initiative introduced by the Kerala Information Technology Mission for bringing the benefits of IT to the Kerala society. The Kerala IT Mission has set out the objectives of Akshaya as follows To develop over 5000 numbers of networked multi-purpose community based technologies centres ie. Akshaya e-kendras to provide ICT access the entire population of Kerala. To make at least one person in each of 65 lakh + families in the State e-literate. 149

2 To enhance the quality of available IT infrastructure in the State and also by providing facilities for rural connectivity infrastructure. To enable e-transaction and e-governance services through the centres. Generate over 50,000 employment opportunities in 3 years. With these objectives the Akshaya project was piloted in November 2002 in Malappuram District of Kerala, with a plan for spreading it to the other districts of the State later on. The project was designed by a group of IT professionals and senior bureaucrats with substantive involvement of the local panchayats. The Akshaya project in Malappuram District of Kerala is the first district-wide e-literacy project in India, and one of the largest known Internet Protocol (IP) based wireless networks. 1 In the first phase of this project the emphasis was on the objective of imparting computer literacy to the people. The second phase focused on the promotion of e-commerce through entrepreneurial development since it was felt that the e-literate local population would generate adequate demand for e-commerce activities which can be catered to by the Akshaya entrepreneurs. 2 The strategy adopted for implementing Akshaya project has four major components. Firstly for ICT access a network of Akshaya e-kendras is being set up in Kerala run by entrepreneurs. These centres will act as a selfsustaining unit with e-literacy programme and the centres were set up within 2 km apart. Development of these centres is expected to provide direct sustained employment to atleast 25,000 people (5 per unit) in the IT sector. 3 strategy included equipping each centre with 5-10 computers, printers, scanners, web cam and other necessary softwares to carry out various ICT based service. According to the Project report of the Kerala IT mission each centre would entail an investment of Rs.3.83 lakh for its 10 computers plus accessories and other working capital. The Secondly, the strategy encompasses providing e-literacy training with the help of a carefully designed content module in local language for fifteen hours for each 64 lakh families in Kerala. The third strategic vision was on the creation of micro ICT enterprises. The Akshaya e- Kendras were set up as 150

3 pure entrepreneurial ventures of selected entrepreneurs with an investment of about 3.83 lakh per centre. The Government of Kerala had taken steps to popularize Akshaya project through extensive advertising in newspapers and at the local level through Panchayat offices. Out of 2000 applications a total of 637 applicants were initially selected. For finding out the ideal locations for setting up of Akshaya centres, field surveys were conducted in all Panchayats in Malappuram. For setting up Akshaya Centres, MOUs were signed with selected entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs took loans from various nationalized and rural co-operative banks order to start Akshaya venture. Before the inception of the project, Village Panchayats took a leading role in carrying out house - to - house information dissemination about the e- literacy training, urging every house hold to send at least one member to the Akshaya centre. The project had appointed one Akshaya co-ordinator usually a local woman in every village panchayat of the district to carry out the information dissemination and advocacy work. An expert committee was set up to examine the curriculum for a course in basic e-literacy which was designed by Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT). The course had a 15 hour training module to be administered in ten days. For imparting computer literacy, two to three computer trainees were hired from the local communities. Another strategic approach in the establishment of Akshaya centres includes the Akshaya ICT access points, envisaged to provide G 2 C, G 2 G, and G 2 B information dissemination. Akshaya centres were considered to function as decentralized information access hubs that cater to a range of citizen needs that have an inbuilt integrated front-end collection of utility bills and taxes has done through these ICT service delivery points

4 Malappuram: A profile Malappuram, one of the fourteen districts in Kerala is situated between the Nilgiris hills on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Malappuram is bounded by Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the north and by Palakkad and Thrissur districts in the south. With regard to area, Malappuram district ranks third in the State. The district has the largest number of emigrants and receives about 17 per cent of the total external remittances to the State. 5 Table 4.1 Malappuram: A Socio-Economic and Demographic Profile Area 3550 Sq Kms Population 3,629,640 Male 1,759,479 Female 1,870,161 Sex Ratio:Female / Population Density 1022 Per Capita Income (in Rs.) Literacy rate 88.61%; Male 91.46% Female 85.96% Coastal line in km 70 Assembly Constituencies 12 Revenue Divisional Offices 2 Villages 135 Blocks 14 Panchayats 100 Municipalities 5 Source: Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Kerala. Muslims form the majority community in the district followed by Hindus and Christians. Headquarters of the administration is at Malappuram, with Collectorate and main offices in the Civil Station, established in the erstwhile headquarters of the Territorial Army. Even though Malappuram district is educationally backward compared to southern districts of Kerala, it has attained minimum literacy. Besides, Malappuram has a good level of telephone connectivity. Above all there were 152

5 a number of people who were willing to be entrepreneurs of Akshaya Centres. All these appealed government to select Malappuram as a pilot district of Akshaya initiative. 6 Akshaya centres were set up as they would be the hubs or the last mile service delivery points of e-governance services. The e-literacy campaign as a unique component was introduced for the purpose that if the population want to reap the benefits of technology, they should be aware of the services and technology. A centre with all facilities like internet telephony, e-governance delivery and e-payment facilities sometimes fails to affect the large number of common people, because of the lack of awareness about the potential of the technology or because of the mental barrier to use technology. It was under this background that e-literacy component was introduced. Government of Kerala through Government Order No. G.O (M.S) No.03/2004/ITD dated 20 th February 2004 declares, The Akshaya ICT access points are envisaged to provide various services to citizens including single window information and dissemination, various e-governance services, e-education, telemedicine etc. When departments offering e-governance services, Akshaya centres will become the last mile service delivery point of all these initiatives. 7 The implementation of Akshaya project was managed by a team of officials with specific responsibilities. Table 4.2 Management of Akshaya Project Name of the Department /Agency Role and responsibilities Kerala State Information Technology Mission Conceived the project campaign and over all coordination Local Self Government Department Co-ordination of local bodies District Panchayat / Corporation / Funding project implementation and maintaining Municipalities / Block Panchayat / Grama Panchayats Town and Countury Planning Department Spatial mapping for the selection of location of Akshaya Centres. Public Relations Department Public and media relations Centre for Development of Imaging Course ware development Technology STED project Entrepreneur training and support Information Kerala Mission Local body co-ordination, seminars, and animator support Centre for Development of Advance Connectivity implementation and co-ordination Computing Source: Kerala State IT Mission 153

6 The investment pattern for Akshaya project in Malappuram was as follows: Table 4.3 Investment in Malappuram for Akshaya Project Centre set up Connectivity Investment for e-literacy Rs.19 crore Rs.3 lakh per 630 centres (investment by entrepreneurs) 3-20 crores (investment by State Government) 7 crores (investment by local self Government) Campaign Content generation 2 crores (investment by State Government) 1 crore (investment by State Government) Source: Kerala State IT Mission Survey on the impact of Akshaya Project in Malappuram The researcher conducted survey on Akshaya project among beneficiaries of the project and Akshaya entrepreneurs in order to find out the impact on each category. The survey was conducted among 180 citizens and 30 entrepreneurs in August 2006 through random sampling of the centres having different level of performance. Out of the total 14 blocks the survey was conducted in six blocks. The blocks were Wandoor, Perinthalmanna, Mankada, Areacode, Thiroor and Malappuram. The survey was conducted when the first phase of Akshaya e-literacy was over. In this regard, it was very difficult to find the beneficiaries from the centre itself and thereby the researcher went to the nearby houses of each centre in order to find the beneficiaries of the project after collecting their details from the centres. Altogether centres were selected on random basis and beneficiaries through accidental sampling method. 154

7 Map 4.1 Survey on Akshaya Project in Malappuram Source : www. tcindia.com Selected blocks 155

8 Percentage Response and participation by the beneficiaries The study undertaken had samples from six blocks in Malappuram District. The respondents include 105 males and 75 females. Majority of the samples belonged to the age group of (48.1%). The age wise representation of the respondents is as follows. Figure 4.1 Age Wise Profile Series Below Above Source: The survey,2006 Age Source: The survey, 2006 The figure shows the interest of younger generations to be a part of modern technology. It is clear that compared to the younger generations, the older generations are having minimal representation in this kind of a newer initiatives. The age group and the representation seem to be disproportionate after the representation of respondents belongs to the age group of The Akshaya project was intended to impart e-literacy to at least one person in each family. The family members might have selected the younger ones since they are more interested in cutting edge technologies. 156

9 Educational Qualification Table 4.4 Education Wise Profile No: of Respondents Per cent Below S.S.L.C S.S.L.C Pre-degree (+2) Degree PG Total Source : The Survey, 2006 All the respondents were literate. Malappuram is a district which has attained minimum literacy. Even though, it does not possess a greater number of people having higher degrees like those in southern districts of Kerala, it is having a minimum literacy level. The study also shows that the number of beneficiaries of Akshaya project having higher educational qualification is very little when compared to those who have S.S.L.C as educational qualification. It is a fact in Malappuram that after the completion of the Degree Course, usually the boys will opt for finding out a job(preferably in Gulf) and the girls will be get married sometimes even before. So the people who go for higher degrees are often less in number and mostly they are having better socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Majority of the respondents did not have any occupation (58.8%). Among them 87.3 per cent were women. The researcher could observe that the major portion of the total women respondents were house wives. However, there were respondents from government service also and their representation constituted about twelve per cent. From agriculture sector there was 18.1 per cent representation. Business persons were also there in the survey (10.6%). Majority of the respondents did not inform their annual income. Among all 18.8 per cent were having the annual income below Rs.12,000/-. The respondents who were possessing an annual income above Rs.1,00000/- were less in number (only 3.1%). But to the question regarding their financial 157

10 affordability for computer education 71.2 per cent were totally satisfied. For e-literacy course, the fee per student was Rs.120/- out of which Rs.80/- was the contribution from Local Self Government Bodies. This amount was further being divided in to Rs.60/- by Grama Panchayat, Rs.10/- by Block Panchayat and the remaining Rs. 10/- by District Panchayat. The amount that had to be paid by the beneficiary was only Rs.40/-. If the student was from SC/ST community, the entire fees was paid by the LSG body itself. 8 In this connection, the beneficiaries were not facing a financial constraint for computer education. Akshaya was introduced at a time when computer education was some what expensive. This financial aid on the part of government could definitely increase the number of Akshaya students. However 28.8 per cent of the respondent could not afford even the remaining fee, Rs.40/-. Among them 85.6% of the respondents informed their income as below Rs.12000/- and the remaining respondents were from the category who did not inform their annual income. In a situation where people from economically very backward families could not afford even Rs.40/- as fee, the Government could have reconsidered its policy. Apart from giving financial assistance to a specific community, economic backwardness could have also been considered for financial aid. Table 4.5 Religion and Caste Profile Religion / Caste Muslim Christian SC/ST Hindu Upper Caste Hindu OBC Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey,

11 Not surprisingly, a huge majority of the respondents were from Muslim Community since Malappuram is a district where Muslim population is very dominant. In the survey, Christians and SC/ST Community had a minimal representation. Somewhat similar proportion of representation was seen among the respondents from Hindu Upper Castes and Hindu OBCs. The table shows that almost all families from different communities could receive the benefits of e-literacy campaign. Majority of the respondents informed that they were regularly reading news papers (61.2%). It indicates their interest in improving the social awareness. However 33.8 per cent of the respondents were occasional news paper readers. But five per cent were not having the habit of news paper reading. Though, they were interested in increasing general socio-political awareness, majority of them were reluctant to take membership in libraries. Even though majority of the respondents were regularly reading news papers, 66.9 per cent of the total respondents were not visiting libraries since they were not interested. But 33.1 per cent informed that they were visiting libraries eventhough not very often. According to the majority if they wanted to visit library, they had to travel atleast 3 km and more over, the women were not interested to be in a library where majority of the members were men. The researcher has an observation that if women friendly libraries are there in a district like Malappuram, they can act as a land mark in empowering the women a lot there. The Kudumbasree project was functioning very well there and definitely many women were able to attain some sort of social and economic empowerment. But setting up of women-friendly libraries in a society where early marriage has become a custom, can very well pave the way for intellectual empowerment of the women folk there. A majority of 61.8 per cent of the total respondents were interested in watching T.V. news regularly. However 29.4% had an occasional habit of watching T.V. news. But 8.8 per cent lacked Television access to general awareness. It is evident that electronic media do not have a reachability like 159

12 that of print media. News paper reading provides them more time convenience according to their choice than watching T.V news. Table 4.6 First Information about Akshaya Source Media Friends LSG No: of Respondents Govt. Employees Total Per cent Source: The Survey, 2006 The number of respondents who have received first information about Akshaya is more through friends than that of media. The difference is ten per cent. Next comes the impact of advertisement through local bodies. Local bodies had taken much efforts to popularize the project of Akshaya. The table shows the clear indication that popular interaction combined with reliability is the best method for bringing the citizens in to a participatory model. Majority of the respondents had confidence on their friends suggestions. It is clear that participatory management and social capital are complementary in their action. In order to reach Akshaya centre every respondent had to travel within a reasonable distance. In the pilot project in Malappuram each Akshaya centre was set up at a distance of 2km apart. Majority of the respondents (91.9%) were satisfied with the transportation facility. But 8.1% were dissatisfied and they had the complaint on transportation particularly with regard to the delay in the construction and maintenance of roads. Regarding electricity / telephone facility, on the whole, 88.1 per cent of the respondents had satisfaction. The fifteen per cent who were dissatisfied, were lacking that facility due to regional constraints. In their opinion government had to pay much attention to such matters rather than starting new initiatives like Akshaya. 160

13 Table 4.7 Number of computer literate people in the family e-literate persons in the family Only one Person Two persons Above two but not all All Total No. of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey, 2006 On the whole 44.4 per cent of the respondents could identify two persons in their family with computer education while twenty per cent found that they had only one computer literate member in their family. It was the respondent himself. Only 11.7 per cent of the total respondents found computer education to all family members. The table shows the wide campaigning before the implementation of Akshaya project. Almost all families in Malappuram had undergone computer literacy programme under the Akshaya project of Kerala Government. Table 4.8 Language as a barrier for using computers Perception No: of Respondents Per cent Feel the barrier of language Don t feel language constraint Total Source: The survey,

14 Figure 4.2 Language as a barrier for using computers Percentage of Respondents Feel the barrier of language Don t fed language constraint 28.9% 71.1% Source: The survey, 2006 The main problem which arises while introducing new technologies is the digital divide. One of the reasons behind the emergence of digital divide is the language constraint. The researcher could notice the same while conducting the survey. The beneficiaries of Akshaya project had an interest in advancing their computer knowledge. But their lack of knowledge in English language prevented them from advancing their e- literacy. In the survey a huge majority of eighty per cent revealed that they were facing the language barrier while advancing their computer knowledge. It was under the circumstance of this digital divide, the Kerala IT Mission had initiated Malayalam computing to overcome the language barrier and thereby promoting the impact of technologies in all spheres of life. More detailed discussion on digital divide is done in the next chapter of this study. The researcher enquired about the respondents priority in using computers after attaining computer literacy. It is significant to note that 68.1 per cent of the total respondents could not use their computer literacy they have attained through Akshaya. However 31.9 per cent of the respondents advanced their computer education and among them ten per cent preferred to use it for their contacts. Besides, 13.1 per cent were in a position to use it for educational purpose and the remaining 8.81 were interested in going through 162

15 Percentage of respondents different websites. For the above mentioned categories, Akshaya e-literacy programme was a stepping stone to attain computer education at an intended level. Table 4.9 Preference in the services utilised from Akshaya Services Computer literacy e-pay Information about causes and job opportunities Computer literacy and e-pay Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey, 2006 Fig. 4.3 Preferences in the services utilised through Akshaya Computer literacy e-pay Information about arises and job opportunities Services Computer literacy and e- pay Source: The Survey, 2006 According to 40.6 per cent of the respondents, computer literacy was the most important service they were receiving through Akshaya centres. Only fifteen per cent utilized the services for bill payment. But quite interestingly about forty per cent of the respondents were interested in both computer literacy and electronic payment (e-pay) of bills through Akshaya centres. Only 163

16 five per cent of the respondents preferred receiving information about various courses, results checking and matters related to job opportunities through Akshaya centres. Regarding job opportunity 90.7 per cent informed that they did not get any kind of job opportunity through Akshaya. But 9.3% revealed that, they have received job through Akshaya. They were assigned the job of data entry with remuneration after they have attained and advanced computer education through Akshaya. All of them belonged to the age group in between 20 and 30 years. A great majority of the respondents (66.9%) were satisfied with the services they have received from Akshaya. But 19.4 per cent were dissatisfied and they highlighted the problems of connectivity, frequent electricity complaints etc. Anyway, regarding performance appraisal, majority of the respondents informed that their performance in computer literacy programme was undergoing timely appraisal. The people in Malappuram district like those in other districts were also receiving general awareness classes conducted by LSGs and various organizations. Altogether 42.5% of the respondents informed that they have received orientation classes on health, environmental problems, AIDS and the like. But the majority (57.5%) did not receive any kind of awareness classes in their locality. This situation indicates the lack of skill in mobilizing people by the local bodies. Regarding local informations, the respondents opined that they were getting informations about the programmes implementing through Akshaya in their locality. But at that time online information regarding their specific locality were not available. The Kerala State IT Mission has recently started 164

17 an innovative and interactive project in this regard named Ente Gramam (My Village). Table 4.10 Awareness on Right to Information Response Know well Don t know correctly Don t have any idea Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey, 2006 The respondents who were having very good idea about all aspects of Right to Information constituted only 27.8 %. They could clearly explain what it was. But the majority has heard of it but was not having a clear vision. It is pathetic to know that 30.5 per cent actually did not know what Right to Information was. Sometimes it might be due to the infancy of the Act since it was passed in However, TII-CMS India Corruption Study 2007 with Focus on BPL Households indicates that Kerala comes under the States in which more than 10 per cent of BPL house holds know about RTI Act. 9 The researcher has an observation that the Local Self Government bodies and other organizations are conducting awareness classes mainly on environmental and health issues. Definitely these are inevitable issues which need immediate attention. But, meanwhile, these LSGs and organizations can consider the issues related to citiziens rights also. These type of new Acts and measures are usually kept untouched by them eventhough these measures need much popular awareness and support for successful implementation. The e-krishi project is a market driven agricultural initiative through IT enabled Agriculture Business Centres to address the existing gap in agriculture information flow and transaction management. The e-krishi project is being 165

18 implemented through Akshaya e-kendras. The detailed description was provided in the second chapter of this study. Surprisingly, only 18.8 per cent of the total respondents had awareness on e-krishi programme implemented through Akshaya e-kendras. The majority have not received any information regarding e-krishi and thereby they were totally unaware of it. This is the indication of lack of proper campaigning on the part of government. Eventhough, at the inception of Akshaya centres, the LSGs have taken immense effort, when new programmes are launching through Akshaya, they are not taking that much an effort. If the LSGs can impart consistent campaigning, these Akshaya centres and their programmes could have attained more stable position. The researcher checked their knowledge regarding the type of government in India without giving options. The researcher could receive the following patterns of response. Table 4.11 Knowledge about Type of Government in India Response No: of respondents Per cent Democracy Others Don t Know Total Source: The Survey, 2006 Kerala is considered to be a politically literate State with vibrant political culture. However our data bring a different kind of response in regard to the knowledge of the government in the country. Although lion share of the respondents opined that democratic system prevails in India, 13.9 per cent of the respondents were ignorant of the type of government. Among them, women constituted about 78 per cent. The researcher assumes that if options 166

19 were given, they might have marked democracy as our type of government. Sometimes, they could not recollect the correct word since they are not in touch with routine political or academic activities. This category was from the sections in which some of them were having the habit of reading news papers occasionally and majority of them were not having that habit at all. Among the respondents who were having above 20 years old 86.1% were regularly exercising their vote. They were keenly interested in the political developments taking place in the society. But among the remaining irregular voters majority were (79.3%) women. They revealed that they could not some times exercise their vote due to certain domestic and health factors such as delivery, ailments of children etc. But the men opined that when they were out of station, were not in a position to caste the vote. This shows that political involvement on the part of women is usually being blocked by domestic and maternal responsibilities. The researcher enquired them about the major local progress they have received after Akshaya and in connection the researcher was able to receive quite varying responses. Figure 4.4 Local Progress after Akshaya 4% 3% Computer literacy 11% 35% 47% e- pay facility Results checking facility All these Source: The survey,2006 Don t know Source: The Survey

20 According to the majority, major progress after the implementation of Akshaya project is the attainment of computer literacy. They were totally enthusiastic of the low cost computer literacy programme. Another set of the respondents opined that e-pay facility is the major advantage of Akshaya programme. Before the project, in their opinion, the payment of bills has taken much time and effort and after Akshaya, they were receiving a convenient interaction. According to 11.1 per cent of respondents the convenience of online checking of examination results is the major advantage after Akshaya. To the question regarding the citizen-government communication through internet for giving suggestions and complaints, the responses were quite surprising. A great majority (95%) have not contacted the government through internet. Only five per cent utilized the facility of online contact. This indicates that they were receiving peripheral computer literacy only. If there must be meaningful e-governance, there should have proper online interaction between citizens and government and vice versa. But the study about Akshaya proves that both C 2 G and G 2 C have not improved much. However, among the five per cent, two per cent of the respondents were given redressal from government. This shows that some kind of lacuna is existing in full fledged G 2 C interaction. Table 4.12 Infrastructural facility to be implemented in the locality Infrastructural facility No: of respondents Per cent Hospital facility Schools Transportation Drainage facility Water supply Both hospitals and transportations Housing Total Source: The Survey,

21 Hospital facility Schools Transportation Drainage facility Water supply Both hospitals and transportations Housing Percentage of response Figure 4. 5 Infrastructural facility to be implemented in the locality Infrastructural facility Source: The survey, 2006 Among the respondents 28.3 per cent informed that, they lack adequate health care facility. They highlighted the plight of Public Health Centres and Government Hospitals. This response was mainly from the respondents who were having annual income below Rs.12,000/-. According to 24 per cent of the respondents more schools had to be there in their locality. But 19.4 per cent highlighted the problems in transportation including improper maintenance of roads. Lack of proper drainage system was the major infrastructural issue regarding 16.7 per cent of the respondents. Another 4.4% informed about the lack of adequate water supply. But a similar portion of the respondents were in need of both better hospital facility and good transportation. The remaining 2.8 per cent lacked proper housing. All these respondents had an opinion that in this modern world new technology is necessary. But they added that implementation of new technologies should be there only after fulfilling the infrastructural necessities. If so, there will not be disparities in the distribution of benefits emerging out of technologies. 169

22 A Report on the Survey conducted Among Akshaya Entrepreneurs The researcher conducted survey among the entrepreneurs of Akshaya centres in order to analyse the advantages and disadvantages while introducing such an innovative project to impart entrepreneurship development. The entrepreneurs were selected through random sampling taking into account of the performance level of the centres. The researcher collected the Grade given to each centres from the District Office of Akshaya project in Malappuram. After collecting the Grade level given to each centre, the researcher selected the centres on the basis low, average and high performances through random sampling. In total, 30 entrepreneurs were selected with the representation of ten entrepreneurs in each category. Of the total respondents 66.7% belonged to the age group in between 20 and 30 years followed by the representation of 30 per cent to the group However, the researcher could not find much entrepreneurs above 40 years. Table Age Profile Age No: of respondents Per cent Above Total Source: The Survey, 2006 From the table it is clear that majority of the Akshaya entrepreneurs are young and of course they were in need of a job. The youth in Malappuram were very much enthusiastic with the inception of Akshaya project there. 170

23 From the background of their unemployment, they opted for being Akshaya entrepreneurs. Among the respondents, 26 were men and there were only four women. This indicates the lesser degree of work participation of women compared to men. This is the clear evidence of disparity in the gender pattern of entrepreneurship in Malappuram District. Table 4.14 Educationwise Profile Qualification Below S.S.L.C. S.S.L.C. Predegree/+2 Degree Post Graduation Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey Among the entrepreneurs majority were degree holders and they were all in need of a job and this highlights the extent of unemployment. The majority were followed by respondents having Pre-degree or equivalent qualification. There was only one respondent who held the qualification below S.S.L.C. The Government, for selecting the entrepreneurs set up Pre-degree or plus two as the required educational qualification. But the researcher observed that after getting approval for starting the centres, in some cases, the actual entrepreneur s benamies were running the centres. Owing to this fake entrepreneurship, the Government has decided to issue identity cards to all Akshaya entrepreneurs from November, 2010 onwards. 171

24 Table 4.15 Incomewise Profile Annual Income No: of respondents Per cent Not informed Below 12, ,000-25, ,000-50, ,000-1,00, Above 1,00, Total Source: The Survey, 2006 A sizeable proportion of the entrepreneurs did not reveal their income. The table shows varying pattern in the annual income of the entrepreneurs. This could be due to the disparity in the number of students in Akshaya centres. Some centres were having good performance and thereby their owners were receiving some what a good annual income. But the centres with bad performance level seemed to be receiving a lesser annual income. Regarding the Caste/Religion wise profile majority of the respondents belonged to the Muslim Community (73.3) and this tallies with the dominance of Muslim population in the society. Table 4.16 Source of first information about Akshaya Source Media LSG Friends Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey,

25 An outstanding majority of the respondents have received first information about Akshaya project through the media. This shows the popularizing effort taken by the government. However, local self Government bodies also contributed for popularizing Akshaya project. A total of 16.6 per cent of the entrepreneurs received the information through Local Self Government bodies. A question in connection with the role of LSGs in Akshaya was asked to the respondents. About 63.3 per cent of the respondents opined that LSG can cooperate with them by providing more financial contribution to each student. But according to 20 per cent of the respondents LSG can do a lot in campaigning programme about the Akshaya project. However 16.7% of the respondents were expecting both financial support and awareness creation to a greater extent from the LSGs. Regarding the need for increasing the facility of Akshaya centres a huge majority (93.3%) informed that the facilities of the centres had to be improved. They were complaining that most often the centres were suffering from connectivity faults. Only a small portion of the sample were satisfied with the facilities in their centres. Table 4.17 Satisfaction with the cooperation of government Response No: of respondents Per cent Satisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied only to some extent Dissatisfied to some extent Total Source: The Survey,

26 It is very much noteworthy that an outstanding majority of the entrepreneurs were dissatisfied with the nature of co-operation received from government. All of them highlighted the inadequate financial support on the part of government. The government was not providing fund in time. Only a small portion of respondents did not have any complaint and they were getting more beneficiaries of Akshaya e-literacy programme compared to others. Besides, majority of the entrepreneurs (93.3%) were dissatisfied with the facilities of the centres. According to them the centres were most often suffering from connectivity faults. This complaint was predominant among entrepreneurs from rural centres. But majority of the entrepreneurs (83.3%) informed that they had the feeling that beneficiaries were satisfied with the implementation of Akshaya project. Similar opinion was heard from beneficiaries also regarding the services from Akshaya Centres. Majority of the entrepreneurs (76.7%) revealed that they were not getting any complaint from the beneficiaries regarding Akshaya Centres. On the question of the visit of beneficiaries per day, majority (53.3%) informed that it was in between 20 and 30. Only 7.7 per cent had the visit of beneficiaries per day in between and twenty per cent of the entrepreneurs had it below 20 in number. The plight of the centres was quite bad which were having the number of beneficiaries per day below 20. However, 19 per cent informed that it was in between 30 and50. Table 4.18 Akshaya and Progress in governance Response Positive Negative Positive to some extent Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey,

27 Even though majority of the entrepreneurs were not satisfied with Akshaya project, they were of the opinion that Akshaya project was able to improve the governance since it could impart the popularization of computer literacy and e-pay facilities. They had the vision that people are now in a position to access the government services and information very fast. But 13.3 per cent of the entrepreneurs had an opposite view. They highlighted that eventhough Government is implementing many programmes through Akshaya, the rural people are not in a position to access the services out of their socioeconomic backwardness. The entrepreneurs further added that Akshaya could not bring all the citizens to the mainstream and the progress is not uniform at all. Regarding the question of popular participation in governance through Akshaya, majority of the entrepreneurs (43.3%) had the opinion that online interaction with government was not taking place and the citizens have not come up to that level. Hence according to them, popular participation in governance through Akshaya is a distant dream. But 40 per cent of the entrepreneurs held a different view. They were of the opinion that even though online participation is not impressive, compared to previous years citizens are now more in touch with government and this may lead to progress in governance. Table 4.19 Satisfaction as an entrepreneur Response Satisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied only to some extent Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey, 2006 Surprisingly, seventy per cent of the respondents revealed their dissatisfaction as an entrepreneur of Akshaya project. They opined that in the beginning, they were having a lot of expectations regarding the project. All of 175

28 them considered Akshaya as an opportunity for employment. But reality seemed to be very distant from their expectations. The major cause of the dissatisfaction of entrepreneurs was lack of generating adequate income from their centres. Majority had an opinion that after commissioning the project, the government developed an indifferent attitude towards the entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs highlighted that setting up of Akshaya centres was a hasty decision on the part of government. But 13.3 per cent were moderately satisfied with the selection procedures of the government. Only 6.7 per cent of the respondents were having a positive response towards this issue. Meanwhile ten per cent did not make any comment on this matter. Obviously these two groups belonged to the category of possessing educational qualification below degree. Table 4.20 Individual benefits through Akshaya Benefits Employment Better social contact Better computer knowledge Better financial position Nothing Total No: of respondents Per cent Source: The Survey, 2006 Interestingly, fifty per cent of the respondents informed that better social contact is the major attainment they have received through Akshaya. They were satisfied in one aspect that they were in touch with people from all walks of life. Only 23.3 per cent of the respondents considered the job as the major individual benefit through Akshaya while 13.3 per cent could advance their computer knowledge. But 6.7 per cent opined that they have not attained even a single benefit through the implemention of Akshaya project. Instead, they have become bankrupts. 176

29 Evaluation of Akshaya Project in Malappuram The researcher could find that Akshaya project had two types of impacts on the beneficiaries and the entrepreneurs. The common people in the district were enthusiastic on the introduction of such kind of a project there. They were getting computer education at a lower cost. The question emerged from the civil society was about the educationally backward position of the district and the limitations for the adaptation to such newer technologies. According to the officials the earlier projects like Literacy Mission and People s Planning were successful. In this background they anticipated the success of the implementation of Akshaya project there. 10 The bureaucrats opined that digital divide was not operating since the content module was prepared in local language. But the researcher s survey reveals that about 71.1 per cent of the people were facing the barrier of language for advancing their computer education and of the similar reason also they were not in a position to utilize their computer knowledge in future. In consequence to this, majority of the respondents (68.1%) were not using their computer knowledge further. But all of them were satisfied in one aspect that they could atleast familiarize a new technology at a lower cost. In general, they have overcome the fear of handling the computers. However, the people were of the opinion that government should give weightage for providing basic amenities and infrastructural advancement rather than giving preference to the introduction of technologies. The researcher could find that the implementation of Akshaya project was a hasty decision on the part of government. The people even after receiving e-literacy through Akshaya were unaware of the programmes like e-krishi. The government in this connection should take initiative for effective and persistent awareness creation rather than concentrating on the peripheral implementation of the projects. 177

30 The focus on entrepreneurs could find out that majority of the entrepreneurs were dissatisfied with Akshaya project. Apart from making the people computer literate, the project had a mission to impart entrepreneurship development in the society also. But the intention of imparting entreprenureship was not taken in an effective manner after the inception of the project. The major lacunae were: There was a long gap between the two stages in the implementation of Akshaya project. The entrepreneurs had taken a loan of Rs.2 lakhs from banks for starting and running the centres. The contribution of the government to the entrepreneurs was minimal. The entrepreneurs received the fund from the government for the first stage only after 8 months from its completion. By this time the struggle for survival of the centres reached its zenith. The entrepreneurs had to remit the interest rate of 12.5% which was unaffordable. As a consequence, majority of the entrepreneurs became bankrupts. Considering these circumstances, the Cabinet on 17 th February 2010 decided to write off part of the loans taken by Akshaya Centres in Malappuram district. Chief Minister V.S.Achuthanandan said that the centres would now have to repay only 75 per cent of their loans from banks as part of the one-time settlement. The Government would pay half of the dues reducing the amount payable by the entrepreneurs to 37.5 per cent. 11 After a break a new initiative named Internet to Masses was introduced through the Akshaya centres. But majority of the centres by the time had become too weak to run effectively. Only a few centres became active (just 150 out of 600 centres). But even these were suffering from connectivity failures. The government has not taken timely step for enhancing connectivity. 178

31 After selecting the entrepreneurs and starting the project, the government did not pay much attention to the centres for ensuring that the centres were run by the actual entrepreneurs. Some entrepreneurs highlighted that e-pay facility was also facing many problems such as Connectivity fault Location of SBI at a distance above 20 km The irresponsibility of the concerned team. Another major lacuna was the abundance of Akshaya centres in the district. In the pilot project the centres were set up at a distance of 2km apart. Owing to this reason the government later allotted only 2-3 centres in a panchayat during the roll-out of the project in other districts. Akshaya project can be considered as both success and failure. In its social context it is successful. But it could not achieve the commercial aspect. In this regard it is failure. 12 Akshaya was a prestige project of the Kerala Government. The project has many advantages and disadvantages. But the researcher observed that majority of the entrepreneurs considered themselves as victims of this initiative since the centres were running with huge financial loss and lack of timely assistance on the part of government. Present Statistics of Akshaya Centres in Kerala The State wide roll out of Akshaya project began in 2005 and at that time Akshaya project was implemented in 7 districts (Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikkode, Kannur and Kasargod). In 2008, the project was implemented throughout the State including the remaining districts. 179

32 Table 4.21 Present statistics of Akshaya District Active centres Initial number of centres Thiruvananthapuram Kollam Pathanamthitta Alappuzha Kottayam Idukki Ernakulam Thrissur Palakkad Malappuram Kozhikkodu Waynadu Kannur Kasargod Total Source: Akshaya Zonal Office, Thiruvananthapuram Out of the total 2701 centres, only 1950 are active now. Many centres are being closed due to lack of adequate financial support for running them. Akshaya Zonal Co-ordinator Dr. K.V. Ravi commented that nobody is now approaching the centres for attaining e-literacy. The centres are now facing the lack of adequate number of beneficiaries. This has become the reason for closing the centres. The critical irresponsibility behind the disadvantages of Akshaya project can be attributed to the Local Self Government institutions. Local governments became ineffective in providing awareness to the people for utilising the services of Akshaya. At the same time politicians do not have adequate knowledge regarding new technologies. This may eventually lead to the failure of new initiatives. Besides, lack of commitment on the part of bureaucrats also negatively affects this project

33 On the whole, it can be found that Akshaya project had only a peripheral impact. The Government could have taken much more time for an in depth home work before introducing this project. Plight of the entrepreneurs is not only the creation of their limited entrepreneurial skill but also lack of proper co-operation from Local Self-Government. Now it is high time on the part of the Government to be aware of the pathetic condition created by the introduction of the innovative but semi successful project. Reference 1. Pardhasaradhi.Y, Rakesh Chetal and Namita Gupta, (2009) E-Governance, and Indian Society: With Case Studies, Kanishka Publishers, Distributors, New Delhi, p Swapna Mukhopadhyaya and Rajib Nandi (2007), Unpacking the Assumption of Gender Neutrality: Akshaya Project of the Kerala IT mission in India, Gender, Technology and Development, Sage Publications, New Delhi, p Centre for the study of Law and Governance, Akshaya: Innovative Operations and Service Delivery, Kerala, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. 4. Ibid. 5. Pardhasarathi. Y, Rakesh Chetal and Namita Gupta, op.cit., p Interview with P.K. Kunhalikutty, Former IT Minister, Government of Keralaon 29August Information gathered from Kerala IT Mission. 8. Interview with Dr. K.V. Ravi, Akshaya Zonal Co-ordinator on 13September TII-CMS India Corruption Study 2007, National Report June 2008, p.20, accessed on Interview with Salim, District Secretary, Akshaya, Malappuram on The Hindu, February 18, 2010, Thiruvananthapuram. 12. Interview with Dr. Achuth Sankar.S. Nair, Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, on 5 th March Interview with A.D. Jayan, General Secretary, Association of IT Employees on