Context: Recently, the Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI, inaugurated the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) Smart Village Center (RSVC) in Mandaura village, Sonipat, Haryana.

• RSVC was developed under aegis of Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).

• It aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies with rural needs, enhancing quality of life and empowering communities through sustainable solutions.

• PSA conceptualized RuTAGe in 2003-04.   

• RSVC aims for technology-driven rural development, where the community, local entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders work together to bridge the rural-urban divide.

Key Features of RSVC Model 

• Physical Presence:  Offers long-term tech support at Panchayat level, assisting 15-20 villages with 12 technology tracks, including Agriculture & Waste Management etc.

• Market Access: Emphasizes collaboration with platforms like ONDC, Amazon, and Market Mirchi to connect rural producers with larger markets.

• Scalability: Plans to expand with 20 new centers and empower women entrepreneurs through Techpreneurs program to ensure sustainability.

The RSVC offers a comprehensive range of 12 technology tracks to address the following diverse rural challenges:

• Agriculture & Waste Management: It provides services for agriculture, waste management, homestays, and village tourism, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs).

• RuTAG Technologies: Innovations from 7 IITs, developed under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

• Livelihood & Entrepreneurship: Promoting local entrepreneurship through schemes like the National Rural livelihood mission (NRLM) etc.

• Renewable Energy: Solar hybrid and wind technology solutions, with technical assistance from the SELCO Foundation.

• National Innovations: Technologies from Manthan, Pune Cluster, and IIT Madras for various rural needs.

• Affordable Housing: Innovative housing technologies from Manthan and HR Corporation Pvt Ltd.

• WASH: Waste management, water, and sanitation solutions, including IIT Madras Aquamaps and weVois technologies.

• FinTech: Financial inclusion apps and Augmented reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) technologies developed by IISC and XR Group.

• Capacity Building: Research and capacity-building initiatives with Tier 2 & 3 colleges 

• Government Scheme Apps: Dissemination of government schemes through citizen-centric apps for science, tech, and welfare programs.

• Assistive Technologies: Solutions for differently abled individuals through the Assistive Technology Foundation.

• Custom Solutions: Deployment of technologies like animal intrusion prevention and electronic medical record-keeping based on local needs.

Role of Technology in Rural Growth

• Agricultural Innovation: Platforms like e-NAM connect farmers to markets, offering better prices and transparent trade.

• Entrepreneurship: E-commerce and 3D printing support small businesses, allowing them to access global markets and reduce dependency on imports.

• Education: Programs like PM e-VIDYA and SWAYAM offer online education, improving access to quality learning and bridging digital divide.

• Financial Inclusion:  DBT program and PM Jan Dhan Yojana facilitate direct, cashless transfers, reducing fraud and increasing transparency.

• Water Management: National Program on Aquifer Mapping and Management uses technology to manage groundwater resources, ensuring efficient water use in agriculture.

Road Ahead

• The RSVC ensures quality and feasibility through anchor leads from institutions such as Selco, IIT Madras, and the Assistive Tech Foundation. 

• RSVC also emphasizes market linkages through collaborations with platforms like Amazon to ensure that rural producers have access to larger markets and can sell their goods effectively.