Introduction
According to estimates, widespread poverty persists in rural areas which is characterised by low income, limited access to basic services and unequal distribution of resources.
There are various challenges faced by rural India in the contemporary era. First and foremost, population growth is one of the major challenges which puts pressure on the environment as well as natural resources. Another major problem is the depletion of natural resources. Secondly, pollution of the environment and climate change pose a major challenge to the rural community. in addition to that the lack of access to education and consequent employment opportunities poses a major threat to the rural community.
The meaning of ‘Seva Kendra’ is offering ‘selfless service under a single roof’. Taking the same initiative towards offering multiple digital services and solutions at one platform, AISECT Seva Kendra or ASK is an online portal offering business-to-customers (B2C) and Government-to-customers (G2C) e-services to every section of the society.
Comprehending Rural Challenges
According to estimates, income inequality between urban and rural areas and within rural regions hamper equitable development.
In recent years, India has undergone rapid industrialisation which has led to significant economic growth and development. Instead of this progress, poverty remains a significant issue in rural India.
According to the data from the World Bank, 21% of the Indian population lives below the poverty line and in rural areas, the poverty rate is even higher with more than 30% of the population living in poverty.
Population
The population can be considered a significant barrier to rural development as it puts pressure on natural resources and the environment. This can lead to degradation and overuse of land, water and other resources and can significantly contribute to pollution and climate change. It can also strain the existing services and infrastructure making it difficult for the state to provide adequate access to essential services like healthcare and education. This can increase poverty and inequality while hindering the overall development of rural areas.
Natural Resources
For rural India, the depletion of natural resources is another major issue. As natural resources like water, land and forests are degraded and overused, it can lead to food insecurity and lack of employment in rural areas. This can lead to low agricultural income and productivity and can force people to live in poverty.
Pollution
Climate change and pollution of the environment are also major issues faced in rural India. The increasing degree of pollution and change in climate can have a significant negative impact on the availability of clean drinking water which can have a vital impact on the health and well-being of the population. It can also have a drastic effect on agricultural production leading to lower income and yields for farmers. In addition to these drastic consequences, climate change can also cause natural disasters such as floods and droughts which can further damage crops and infrastructure while disrupting the lives of rural communities.
Introducing AISECT Seva Kendra or ASK
AISECT Seva Kendra or ASK is being initiated with the motive and vision to offer various digital services in the field of recruitment, academics, online assessment examinations, online counselling and business-to-customer services in association with government departments, business houses that are private along with other organisations.
ASKs are established in rural and local areas for the promotion of speedier and more efficient digital services to the general public. From DTH to mobile recharge to PAN and Adhaar services to online form fill-up, mutual fund services and payments of electric bills, AISECT Seva Kendra has a solution for all these requirements at one single Kiosk.
The main objective of ASK is the offering of utility services to the commoners in every semi-urban, rural and urban region. This is available in that region especially where people do not have access to these services for delivering a broad spectrum of services. ASK aims to establish kiosks in every locality so that people can have access to integrated multiple-service solutions for their basic digital needs while ensuring efficiency, reliability and transparency at affordable costs. ASK also encourages people interested in these services to take up franchises and establish their kiosks to increase the reach of these services in their region or locality.
ASK also offers Self-Service Kiosks which are touchscreen interactive devices that are installed in certain locations to assist consumers with various requirements at one particular place. For instance, by gathering information about processes or carrying out various tasks like booking reservations, making requests for amendment or filling out forms, consumers can utilise self-service kiosks in their own way.
Self-service has been in use for quite a while. Interactive digital kiosks have been created to be user-friendly. With the help of a simple interface, it allows consumers to perform actions in an independent way with more security and without the risk of sharing their personal information with any third party.
The Services Offered by ASK
- • Insurance sales and premium service
- • Bajaj Auto-Finance Loan Premium Collection Services
- • Mobile and DTH Payment and Services of Recharge
- • Income Tax Return Filing
- • Loan Lead
- • Railway Reservation and Services of Cancellation
- • Mutual Fund Services
- • Direct Money Transfer
- • PAN card Services
- • MP Open Exam online Application or Form Filling Services
- • Electricity Bill Payment Services
- • Adhar Enabled Payment Systems (AEPS)
Conclusion
In conclusion, ASK emerges as an innovative and vital solution to address the multifaceted challenges that are being faced in rural India. With a focus on the provision of a wide array of digital services and solutions under a single roof. ASK tackles issues such as income inequality directly while indirectly tackling problems of population pressure, natural resource depletion, climate change and pollution. By offering both B2C and G2C services, ASK plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between urban and rural areas by bringing essential services to rural and semi-urban regions. Overall, ASK stands as a beacon of hope for rural India, facilitating economic growth, improving living standards along with fostering equitable development in a rapidly changing world.
