Previous

Page - 13

PEOPLink: An International Initiative

PEOPLink, a non-profit organization, employs grassroots strategy to help artisans in over 22 less developed countries use the Internet to reach world markets. Working at the local community level, PEOPLink has provided the artisans with access to a variety of modern technologies, including digital imaging and Internet technologies.

Rural BPO

One of India‘s first BPOs in a village is run by a resident and employs locals. Chida Soft is a village BPO, doing coding on legal paper for an US client. It is run by entrepreneur Sharmila, 25, who supervises the Kizhanur franchisee of Lason India, part of the $170 million Lason Inc, US. Sharmila has provided the real estate, while Lason has invested in the hardware and training. The initiative termed "Lason Village BPO" is to be extended to five more locations in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka by the end of 2005.

Path Ahead

Micro Credit

Computerization of microfinance and micro credit records could be done to save time and effort and facilitate the maintenance of these accounts. These micro credit accounts can also be made to use online and for distance transactions in village communities. This would be exceptionally beneficial for the rural entrepreneurs and craftsmen.

Next

* Contributed by: -
Shruti Rustagi,
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.