Community Information Centre (CICs)
Under the Prime Minister's Agenda for Socio-Economic development in North-Eastern States and Sikkim, it has been decided to proliferate the use of IT throughout the country and with this objective, the Ministry of Information technology, Govt. of India is to setup around 492 Community Information Centres (CICs) of the N.E States and Sikkim as a first step, covering up to the block level. This scheme includes a dedicated V-SAT (satellite based) network, which will connect all blocks to the district and state capital level information centre. The network will be used to develop databases, locally relevant content etc. finally leading to e-governance, e-commerce, e-learning etc. in this region. The CIC scheme includes 34 Blocks and 3 district HQs. in Manipur
The first two CIcs of Manipur have been setup in Imphal East-I (Sawombung) and Imphal East-II (Keirao-Bitra) Blocks under the pilot project through the National Informatics Centre. The balance CICs will be ready within 2-year scheme period.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers :
Who will use the CIC ?
The Community Information Centre is for the public. The users will comprise the public including Panchayat Representatives, Meirapaibies, Student Union Members, Youth Club members. NGOs, Entrepreneurs, Educational Institutions and the common man in general
What is the Idea of having a CIC ?
The North East, including Manipur, has lacked in economic development due to its remote geographical location. The remote location from the rest of the country, difficult hilly terrain, land slide prone soil, sparse population, lack of major economic activity etc. are some of the factors that prevent commercial expansion and improvement in communication links in Manipur, viz. Railway lines, roads and telecommunications. Dependence on Governments grants only for economic development is limited to distribution of the limited resources.
Satellite technology has broken down geographical barriers and the internet connects people to every corner of the Earth linked to the internet. Now the CIC enables the people of Manipur to link up to this international network for communication, education, business etc. to benefit from the internet for socio-economic development in new way. The CIC will give our people the chance to be the part of Information Technology Revolution.
The CIC is a unique scheme that can change our lives for the better if used carefully and cleverly. The Industrial Revolution has passed with little benefit to the people of Manipur . Let us wake up fast and make sure that the IT revolution benefits do not pass us while we are wondering what it is about.
How can the CIC be useful to the rural people of Manipur ?
a) Internet access and e-mail connectivity.
b) Access to database/development information of natural importance
c) Training through distance learning techniques and connectivity to leading educational & research institutions in the country.
d) Computer awareness training programmes at block level.
Here uses of internet is vast. Farmers can get weather forecast, best practice and guidelines for paddy and horticulture crops as well as rearing of cattle, poultry , piggery etc. There can be information interchange, access to experts/ specialist for personal medical problems. Rural products can be advertise free of coast on the internet for sales.
Governments scheme guidelines can be obtained without going to the office , recruitments forms can be obtained directly from internet and many more.
What are the equipments installed in the CIC?
The CIC (will) have 6 Nos. of computers (including one server) connected to the internet through a VSAT ( very small apparatus terminal ), which is a satellite link connected to the central internet Hub. This set of equipment, when served by the Central Internet Hub, that acts like a telephone exchange, can be located any where within the satellite footprint. Thus all the VSATs in Manipur and other states can communicate with one another. With the help of this VSAT CICs offer the users the fastest Internet access .
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