Community/Cluster Information Centres (CICs) and Satellite Centres (SCs) in India function as Agroecological Kiosks and are established to provide access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in rural and remote areas, particularly to bridge the digital divide. These centres aim to empower communities by providing access to information and digital services that can enhance education, healthcare, governance, and economic opportunities.
10 CICs and 20 SCs have been established under the SAFAL project which offer farmers access to knowledge, technologies, finance, and meeting spaces. The CICs are located in the office of the farmer institution where farmers can now find:
- Information, applications and guidance on Government schemes and insurance,
- Market information about input supply and market demand in the fish value chain,
- A knowledge hub containing training and knowledge products, digital services, printing or photocopying facilities, storage units and lastly a space to hold meetings, trainings.
The SCs are extensions of CICs in remote areas and are situated within the residences of the CRPs in the villages. It likewise contains a selection of services such as the access to information, application and guidance on Government Schemes as well as access to smartphone with internet, small meeting, and training facilities, knowledge products and signboards. The primary purpose behind establishing SCs in remote areas is dissemination of information to rural residents who encounter challenges in commuting to the CICs.
To learn more about the CRP model see more in buidling block: Capacity Development & Extension Service: Community Resource Person Model