Towards access to information in rural India

Abstract

Rural areas in India are characterized by limited land availability, low literacy, inadequate health, sanitary and drinking water facilities. In spite of over five decades of independence, the rural scenario has not changed much and 75% of rural people are either manual laborers, or artisans. In view of a variety of structural disadvantages, i.e., illiteracy, malnutrition, and the social complications of caste in Indian society, there is a need to redesign the traditional public library and its services to deal with the information needs of rural areas. In this connection, the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) conducted a variety of studies and has come up with an action research project aimed at establishing Public Information Centers (PIC's). The objective of these centers will be to provide information on rural development programmes, agricultural extension, and utilities as well as social development information, e.g., health, education, finance, legal. This paper discusses the issues involved as well as the location of PIC's, databases, training, service and the sustenance of PIC's.

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