Microsoft's NGO initiative a non-starter

Software giant Microsoft, in association with several NGOs, recently launched a programme aimed at enabling the local communities to use information technology as a tool to their development.

Under the project, called the Unlimited Potential Programme or Project Jyoti, Community Technology Learning Centres (CTLC) were set up in both rural and urban areas where women, youth and even children are trained in basic computer operations like how to use the MS office software. A certificate of qualification is awarded at the completion of the programme.

"The pivot of the program is the CTLCs set up in places like community centre, school, housing facility, where people of all ages and abilities can come to learn about computers. Using the Internet, they can pursue new careers, further education, participate in community activities or develop technology skills," Vikas Goswami, lead, corporate social responsibility, Microsoft India told Business Standard.

"Till date, we have set up around 550 CTLCs across the country where training is provided to more than 40,000 people. This is done in partnership with 11 NGOs like SEWA, MS Swaminathan foundation, NASSCOM Foundation," he said.

Microsoft approved grants aggregating to Rs 35 crore (Rs billion) to these implementing agencies, which was basically used for supply of computers to the centres and imparting training to the instructors, Goswami said.

He said that Chikankari workers of Uttar Pradesh were using the Chic software developed by IIT Kanpur and NIFT for improving designs of their products.

But, a visit to the programme running in some centres in Delhi presents a mixed picture. The project seems to be in want of participants even in urban areas like Gurgaon and Devli village in Delhi.

"The problem is in mobilising people and getting them to participate in the programme. Not many of them continue through the course," Sandeep Kumar, computer trainer at one such centre in Narsinghpur, near Gurgaon said.

In the Devli centre, out of the 300 people trained in the past one year, around 30 managed to get a job, mostly in data entry operations in the nearby companies or offices.

While Shashi Bala (22) managed to get a job as computer operator in the NGO Udayan itself, others like Manju Singh (35) said the programme did not result in any gain. "I was holding a temporary job earlier but now I am just sitting at home. The course did not fetch me a job," she said. The only positive aspect, she says, was that she can now explain to her children what a computer is.