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http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?page=article§id=6&contentid=200911122009111202571393759be81c8§xslt=
Microsoft initiative helps people seek info under RTI
Company has set up centres to provide IT training for the poor and
help them obtain information through RTI
By Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau
Posted On Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 02:57:14 AM
Software giant Microsoft has joined hands with three Gujarat-based
welfare organisations to give IT training to people who don't have
access to technology, mainly computers.
The American company, through its division Microsoft Community
Affairs, has tied up with Aga Khan Foundation, Mahila Sewa Trust and
Saath Charitable Trust. One of the key objectives of the initiative,
called 'Project Jyoti', is to teach people how to obtain information
under the RTI Act.
"We have set up Community Technology Learning Centres (CTLCs) across
the state to provide technological support to people living in rural
areas," Vikas Goswami, who leads Microsoft's corporate social
responsibility (CSR) programmes, said.
Goswami said that each centre had been set up keeping in mind the
needs of its region. The IT coordinator of Aga Khan Foundation, Shiji
Abraham, said that CTLCs had enabled people in rural areas to seek
information under the RTI Act.
"There is little awareness on RTI in rural areas. However, Microsoft's
initiative is helping people obtain a lot of information under the
act." Abraham said.
Goswami said that the poor had been able to find out why their names
were missing in government's BPL list. "Some people even surfed the
internet at (CTLC) and found out how to get their names included in
the list," she said.
Goswami said that at each CTLC, two care-takers helped people find
relevant information and submit documents to avail benefits provided
by the government.
To date, Microsoft has spent Rs 47 crore to extend this programme to
20 states and union terrotories across the country.
Among other things, the initiative also focuses on providing IT
training to unemployed youth, marginalised women and other people.
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