By February 2007, villagers of Sadraskuppam, near Kalpakkam, India have kept a target to be computer-literate and well connected with the outside world and should be able to access information on just about anything. To take up the challenging task, they have the support of the Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) of the Centre’s Department of Science and Technology and Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. The `Village Information System’ launched at Sadraskuppam (about 65 km south of Chennai) recently is a joint initiative of the Sathyabama Deemed University and the NRDMS.. Self-help groups could utilise the facilities for their benefit. Scientists from the college’s Remote Sensing unit would be visiting the village regularly to monitor the project. It would also help compile a comprehensive database on family members, educational background and property ownership. Information on loans and government policies would be made accessible to them.
