Question

Which project in Madhya Pradesh is a 'Rural Internet Project'?

• A. Gram Sampark
• B. Rogi Kalyan Samiti
• C. Gyandoot
• D. Head Start

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Gyandoot

Gyandoot (which means 'Messenger of Knowledge' in Hindi) is a pioneering e-governance initiative launched in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh in January 2000.

Its core aim was to bring the benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the rural population.

• Structure: It operates through a network of low-cost, community-owned rural cybercafes called "Soochanalayas" (information centres).

• Model: The kiosks are often managed by local, trained youth entrepreneurs (called soochaks) who charge a nominal fee for services, making the model self-sustainable.

• Services: The project provides rural citizens with access to essential government services and information, such as:

  • Updated market/mandi prices for agricultural produce.

  • Copies of land records (like Khasra Nakal).

  • Applications for Income, Domicile, and Caste Certificates.

  • Online Public Grievance Redressal (filing complaints).

Gyandoot was internationally recognized for its innovation, notably winning the Stockholm Challenge Award in 2000 for its efforts to improve government-to-citizen (G2C) service delivery in remote areas.