Agartala, May 22 (TIWN): A workshop on “CSE- The change agent for creating inclusive India” was organized by the Dept of Electronics & IT under the Ministry of Communication & IT here today. Hundreds of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLE), who run CSEs and other stakeholders, attended the workshop.

Speaking in details about avenues for CSC operators, Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLE) to generate more income, Dr D K Tyagi, CEO CSE e-governance Services India Ltd said, despite opportunities average transaction by individual VLE stands at only Rs. 75 per month. He pointed out that as part of Financial Inclusion banking services, pension and Insurance activities provide great opportunity to enhance VLE’s earning. Citing example of Andhra Pradesh, Dr Tyagi stated, extra efforts by VLE to open no frills bank accounts will pay great dividend as many rural residents still don’t have bank account. In remote villages where setting up a branch is not viable, Business Correspondence Model through CSEs can be effectively implemented. He informed, 26 PSU banks have agreed to run BC through CSC in the country and in Tripura SBI has accepted all the 145 CSCs of the State as BC.

Dr S K Panda, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Tripura, highlighted significance of e-governance and stated the objective of the initiative is to ensure delivery of public services to common people in quick and transparent manner. In addition, state government is eyeing generate employment by implementing e-governance scheme among the rural youth, he added. During interaction session in the workshop, Village Level Entrepreneurs shared their views and experiences in running CSCs.

Pramod Pal, Regional Manager, RBO, State Bank of India, Agartala highlighted over the participation of CSCs in the banking transaction services particularly in rural areas. He said banking services through CSCs in Tripura has reached at point from where enthusiastic VLEs can take off to make more business and earn in hefty. He added, SBI has helped CSCs to create a professional ambience and SBI management is serious about raising efficacy of CSCs. To install public faith on CSCs, SBI has put up details of VLEs at corresponding branches and all the CSEs have a display board with contact details of corresponding branch Manager. Taking about SBI’s plan about CSCs, Shri Pal informed, interested VLEs can avail loans upto Rs 20,000 at a concessional rate.

Summing up the discussion, Shri Punit Agarwal, Special Secretary, Dept. of IT, GoT said, CSCs play a key role in implementing e-governance in the State. He said, in some parts of the State CSCs are facing connectivity problems as only 90 out of total 145 CSC have VSAT connectivity.