Kerala is often credited with the formulation of an innovative Information Technology policy and is known for its powerful repository of educated human power. It is recognised that Information and communication Technologies (ICTs) can be an  extremely powerful tool in community development. Access and control over technologies by the community for computing services and to produce media content offers the potential to accelerate social change and engage large numbers of disenfranchised people, helping them realise their self-worth.

Village Documentation and Community Computing Centers (VDCCs) is  a local unit run by community members trained in all aspects of computing services and media production. VDCCs will impart e -literacy to local communities and provide essential computing services to the communities and  empowers them to combat rights violations, isolation, exclusion from mainstream media and their lack of control over decisions affecting their lives. VDCCs  are particularly relevant for isolated and disenfranchised communities which have limited or no access to mainstream technologies and media. Though Kerala has a wide network of e-services across the state, many communities continue to be isolated and unable to make use of these resources due  to issues of access and costs. VDCCs aim to fill an essential gap in this regard.

Village Documentation and community Computing Centers can produce a range of media content focussed on critical social issues using technologies such as radio,video,web and new media. This is  effective as an approach allowing disenfranchised communities to:

-Promote awareness and training in basic computing.
-Promote awarenwss and avilability of information.
-Enhance their self -esteem by enabling them access and use ICT tools.
-Increase  their coomunity's access to a voice.
-Advocate with government and authority.
-Enable social issues to reach mainstream media.
-Provide a platform for community led change.

Inauguration of VDCC at Munnar

The Sameeksha - VDCC project is in the pilot stage in Munnar Panchayat in Idukki District of Kerala. The project aims  to benefit all the people in the Panchayat, with special focus on the marginalised communities, including plantation workers, tribal communities, women and others. A group of 10 youth (7 girls and 3 boys) has been selected to undergo training. The first phase of the training (working with Computers, Installation and Trouble Shooting, Office applications, Skills in Report Bulding) is complete. Students have started working on the baseline data documentation in Munnar Grama Panchayat .

Some income generating activities like Internet browsing for tourist at nominal rate, DTP works etc are also planned.

Report for the period August 2009 to March 2010

Sameeksha Project in Wordpress |  Youtube