________________
f. Set up a computerized information and referral system covering the whole nation. This will allow easy retrieval of economic, demographic, and technical information and thus facilitate solution of these problems. It will also link the rural education system and youth to the national S and T establishments through a referral system. g. Propagate formation of a funding consortium for the above. This will be linked through coordination committees at State and National level. This is provided for in the above CP report and is being pushed through the MHRD, via the vocational program. (Joint Council of Vocational Education) h. Ensure technical back-up for the above, by exploring the technical feasibility and economic viability of acquiring suitable computer hardware for rural conditions and training rural youth to install and operate the same for rural economic activity including education and development, with minimum government finds. A computer has been set up at Vigyan Ashram through CAPART funds and used through CAPART funding for training rural youth in its operation. Also a PC/AT computer has been assembled to operate on battery supply and do the necessary maintenance through local youth in the Ashram. i. Promote development of designs and technologies to suit the school level equipment facilities and skill level. Document these after testing in application; make these available to all schools so that the Schools become a channel for introducing new technologies in the rural area. A network of polytechnics and engineering colleges and some Its can be used to generate new designs so that a library of designs is available for all schools to implement for rural use. This has already been started. A list of projects for such colleges is available and DST has also agreed to fund these as separate proposals. Rural Development Through Education System 31
