This project is shaped by the particular information and communication needs of people living in Indian villages. Jagriti e-Sewa conducts studies in rural and semi-urban areas about the services and product that would are lacking in specific areas. These studies are conducted by Jagriti on its own or are sponsored through academic/research institutions. If the studies indicate a positive contribution to the lifestyles and economy of these areas, the identified services/products are included in the Jagriti e-Sewa model. The list of such services is ever-expanding; as of this writing, the broad classification of services is:

Organisers say that the same infrastructure can be used to develop and extend e-governance services. The project is self-sustaining and as such does not require any investment from the government. However, normally a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed with the District Administration. This MoU essentially lays down the areas of responsibility areas and interfacing mechanism between Jagriti and the government.

In general, the infrastructure required for a kiosk includes a place for adequate seating capacity (approximately 10' X 10'), a computer (Pentium III or the equivalent), an inkjet printer, a scanner, UPS for back-up, a telephone line, and an Internet connection. Each kiosk is set up to serve approximately 25,000 - 30,000 people, or a radius of about 3 km. Bus stands, banks, revenue offices, and link roads have been identified as good locations for the kiosks. Each kiosk is owned and operated by a 'Kiosk Franchisee' - typically an educated youth or an ex-serviceman from that area. These franchisees are carefully selected, and tend to be fast learners and innovators. Organisers provide initial training, as well as offer continued guidance to ensure uniformity, consistency, and high quality of Jagriti services across regions. Jagriti has been customised in Gurumukhi and Hindi in an effort to foster easy understanding on the part of the franchisees and users.

It is expected that each kiosk will generate adequate revenue streams so as to justify its operations. The franchisee receives a part of the revenue collected from the services rendered; the share is variable and depends on the type of services offered and used. Since the use of credit cards for payment isn't feasible in many rural areas, Jagriti developed a strategy called d-commerce, where 'd' stands for 'desi'. In this model, the franchisee at the kiosk collects money and the service is provided electronically or physically. Payment may be rendered by Value Payable Post (VPP) or money order, for example. In a dial-up line scenario, organisers have found that this a viable and practical way to deploy 'IT-enabled commerce'.

The kiosks are being used as a jumping-off point for various local projects. For example, Jagriti worked on a National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development: India (NABARD)-funded project in which 28 educated youth were trained to run rural ICT kiosks. These youth are now being provided with loans by the government; the aim is to enable them to find gainful employment in this business. In addition, Jagriti engages in extension work. For instance, it has launched a project to promote medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) among farmers served by the kiosks in Punjab, India. Following studies to find out the reasons for slow adoption of cultivation of MAPs in this area, Jagriti organised farmers into groups and explained the advantages of shifting to MAPs. The organisation conducted trainings to guide farmers on the organic pratices and techniques - and offered follow-up guidance and supervision - for production of a quality product. Market linkages for appropriate remenuration for the produce were established. Efforts are underway to introduce the cultivation of TULSI (Ocimum Basilicum) in March-May 2004. The nurseries will be raised by the farmers and Jagriti on its demonstartion plots near Nurmahal. These nurseries will then be planted in mainfields after the wheat harvest. For more details on this initiative, click here.

Technology, Agriculture, Economic Development, Youth.

Organisers say that this model is ready for adaptation anywhere in developing countries.