Dhar district in central India has a population of approximately 1.7 million people, most of whom are poor and marginalized. About 60 per cent of the people live below the poverty line and most are illiterate. People depend on small farm production and are often subject to exploitation by middlemen, local money-lenders and corrupt officials.
The Gyandoot project installed a computer network in the district, connecting 31 village centres. It made use of information and communication technology to provide online services, including land revenue-related transactions, public grievance redressal, village auction, a matrimonial site, government services and entitlements, expert consultation, a free e-mail facility on social issues, employment news and a village newspaper. The benefits of the project reach over half a million people.
This improved interface between citizens and Government has enabled interaction and dialogue, the formation of new alliances, the development of interpersonal networks and the establishment of cross-sectoral links. Greater access and control over information have empowered the community and has resulted in better governance.
The Gyandoot project has been recognized as a breakthrough in e-government and it has won the Stockholm Challenge IT Award 2000 in the area of public service and democracy. It has given marginalized tribal people in central India their first chance ever to access knowledge.