Drishtee: Balancing Social Mission and Financial Sustainability in Rural India

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff Desa ◽  
James L. Koch
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Social Business ◽  
Digital Government ◽  
Social Mission ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Government ◽  
Market Pressures ◽  
Viable Business

This case follows the early developments of Drishtee, an Indian social enterprise, and the evolving thoughts of its CEO – Satyan Mishra. Drishtee, founded in 2001, was initially developed to address opportunities in information and communications technology (ICT) in rural India and scaled to serve people in over 9,000 villages. While the initial social opportunity appeared to be fairly straightforward (to provide fee-based digital government documents to rural citizens), a deeper analysis of the social problem leads the reader into the tangled world of social business. The venture faces regulatory and disintermediation challenges when trying to scale the provision of government services. As the venture starts to scale, it faces two distinct pivot points: first, when deciding whether to maintain a partnership with the government and, second, when trying to create a financially viable business model. The reader bears witness to the underlying tensions between social mission and market pressures as the company evolves from a government service provider to a commercial kiosk operator.

scholarly journals How Unique is "E-stonia"? A Cross-Country Comparison of E-Services Usage in Europe

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Stephany
Keyword(s):  
Role Model ◽  
Young Population ◽  
Baltic State ◽  
Digital Government ◽  
Individual Privacy ◽  
The Social ◽  
User Data ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Government

User data fuel the digital economy, while individual privacy is at stake. Governments react differently to this challenge. Estonia, a small Baltic state, has become a role model for the renewal of the social contract in times of big data (hence, often ironically referred to as "E-stonia"). While e-governance usage has been growing in many parts of Europe during the last ten years, some regions are lagging behind. The Estonian example suggests that online governance is most accepted in a small state, with a young population, trustworthy institutions and the need of technological renewal. This work examines the development of e-governance usage (citizens interacting digitally with the government) during the last decade in Europe from a comprehensive cross-country perspective: Size, age and trust are relevant for the usage of digital government services in Europe. However, the quality of past communication infrastructure is not related to e-governance popularity.

The role of information and communications technology in the transformation of government and citizen trust

2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 708-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Mahmood ◽  
Vishanth Weerakkody ◽  
Weifeng Chen
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Government Performance ◽  
Communications Technology ◽  
Trust In Government ◽  
Digital Government ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Survey Responses

We present an empirically tested conceptual model based on exit–voice theory to study the influence of information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government on citizen trust in government. We conceptualize and address the key factors affecting the influence of transformation of government on citizen trust, including government performance and transparency. Based on 313 survey responses from citizens in Bahrain, the top-ranked country in information and communications technology adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, we test government performance and transparency as mediators between transformation of government and citizen trust. The resulting preliminary insights on the measurement and manifestation of citizen trust in the context of information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government have multiple policy implications and extend our understanding of how information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government can improve the government–citizen relationship and digital services adoption. Points for practitioners To fundamentally change the core functions of government, information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government must move beyond the simple digitization and web enabling of processes. Information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government has the potential to address declining citizen trust in government by improving transparency and performance. The success of information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government in Bahrain is attributable to its small size and demographic composition, the relative maturity of digital government initiatives, and the complete commitment of the government to information and communications technology-enabled transformation of government.

Livelihood Prospects Across Social Classes in Rural India

Social Change ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 310-314
Author(s):  
Surajit Deb
Keyword(s):  
Rural Population ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rural Families ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Social Classes ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Full Time ◽  
The Social ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
The Government

In the third part of the Social Change Social Indicator series, we look at livelihood prospects across social classes in rural India. The rural population in India earns its living from different livelihood types—farming, agricultural labour, other manual labour, domestic services or other jobs. The majority of farmers in the country are however small landholders and therefore depend on other sources of income to earn enough money to survive or to even purchase crucially needed seeds and fertilisers. Then there are the agricultural labours who do not own land of their own and work in the fields to earn daily wages. Since the land support for these rural families has become increasingly difficult, a section of the rural population has started looking outside their locale for jobs. In recent decades, jobs for urban construction and private security services industry has provided a potential alternative for backward or economically weaker sections from the rural and semi-urban areas of the country. The government has been trying to provide employment opportunities and livelihood for villagers within their villages by encouraging them to start their own enterprises, supporting them by providing some training and finance. But although rural occupational opportunities have increased comparatively in several states, the creation of productive livelihoods for different social classes remains a challenge in certain rural segments of India. From data one observes that while a majority of Schedules Caste (SC) farmers remain daily wagers, the livelihood of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community remains dependent on forest, agriculture and animal husbandry. The Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011, provides survey data on the livelihood opportunities of SC, ST and Non-SC–ST households across sources such as cultivation, non-agricultural own account enterprises, manual casual labourers, part- or full-time domestic services, ragpicking, begging and others.1 Our analysis of data refers to eighteen states that cover more than 95 per cent of the SC or ST population in the country.

scholarly journals ICT in Panchayati Raj Institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 589-593
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Living Standard ◽  
Rural India ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Grass Root ◽  
The Government ◽  
Panchayati Raj

In India, the notion of local self government is just as old as the civilisation. In today’s time, PRIs, i.e. Panchayati Raj Institutions are local governmental bodies of grass-root governance in rural India and forms the third layer of the federalism in India. These institutions of grass-root government are playing an essential role in improving the living standard of rural masses in India. In the current tech savvy scenario, the concept of e- governance and usage of Information and Communications technology (ICT) in offering services to the community have gained momentum. In order to move from governance to good governance with the help of ICT, the Government of India has initiated many projects such as National e-Governance Plan, e- Kranti, Bharat Net etc. This paper depicts the use of ICT by Panchayati Raj Institutions in providing effective public service delivery to the rural masses. Further, this paper also throws some light on various programs and applications which are designed by national and state governments to strengthening the position of PRI’s in development of rural areas

Social innovation and SONO filter for drinking water

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jashim Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Wahida Shahan Tinne ◽  
Md. Al-Amin ◽  
Maliha Rahanaz
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Inorganic Arsenic ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Social Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Government

Purpose Bangladesh is facing an alarming situation with the drinking water in its most areas, as groundwater used for drinking has been contaminated with naturally occurring inorganic arsenic. Many entrepreneurs along with the government are trying to cope up with this problem. SONO filter is one of them that is based on the social innovation concept. Social innovation is defined as innovative products/services motivated by the goal of meeting a social need, with the opportunity to create new social collaborations. This paper aims to examine the concepts of social innovation, which advocates enhancing values to society and the social benefit to all the stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study and presents the evolution, the development of the social business model and its implementation. Abul Hussam initiated the social business concept through SONO filter that is commercialized through the Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendro. The study has been conducted entirely on the basis of documentary information and data available in the public domain. Findings The findings show a hopeful contribution toward enhancing social benefits to society especially in arsenic-affected areas. SONO filter helps to mitigate the water-borne diseases and make people clean and safe, as well as healthy, by providing pure drinking water. Even by drinking pure water, people with arsenic-related diseases are getting better day by day through this social initiative. Originality/value Business based on social innovation is a new and really a good working concept. It has faced many hurdles in its journey to meet social objectives. Many researchers, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, national planners and society leaders will surely be benefited by its solution.

scholarly journals Does State-Driven Social Economy Work? The Case of Community Business in South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2613
Author(s):  
Hyunsun Choi ◽  
Jungyoon Park ◽  
Eungi Lee
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Government Intervention ◽  
Social Economy ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Government ◽  
Role Of The Government

(1) What is the role of the government in enhancing social economy? South Korea has implemented projects and programs to enhance social economy. This paper discusses the positive role of government intervention by looking at the case of community business in South Korea. In addition, some limitations are discussed. (2) Qualitative data based on in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders and participants were included. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of government documents and literature was conducted. (3) In spite of some bureaucratic and institutional limitations, the village company program of Korea has played an important role in enhancing the social economy for ten years. In particular, the early stages of government intervention in Korea have been successful. (4) However, when the government intends to get involved in enhancing the social economy, it is necessary to carefully prepare formal and informal institutions.

scholarly journals The Role of Social Business in Environmental Protection through Poverty Alleviation

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-198
Author(s):  
Md. Wahidul Alam ◽  
Mohammad Hassan Shakil ◽  
Md. Kazi Golam Azam ◽  
Mashiyat Tasnia
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Profit Maximization ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Social Business ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Government

Social Business runs for the welfare of people rather to profit maximization. In the economic system of Bangladesh there are mainly two types of organization models. Companies of private sector sell products or services to make profit while non-profit organizations are financed by the government. When both the governments and private sector reach their limits, charity organizations fill up the deficiency. Nowadays, we have forgotten to involve the poor into the economy. And exactly that target group is full of potential but has never had a real opportunity. Only such opportunities can be provided to them through social business. The study is of analytical and theoretical in nature and based on secondary data. It encompasses the fact that success of social business sector in Bangladesh is noteworthy as Bangladesh is taking various successful steps to go ahead in poverty alleviation and environmental protection through new alternative arrangement named Social Business. The paper depicts that Social Businesses of Bangladesh is trying to contribute in environmental protection through poverty alleviation by its different extensive programs. Various new integrated model and new Social Business idea will support in this regard. The Social Business can easily overcome the impediments in environmental protection and poverty alleviation by implementing policy formulated in this study.

scholarly journals Preservation of Federal Government Publications in Multiple Formats Proposal

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
GODORT Preservation Working Group
Keyword(s):  
Round Table ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Digital Government ◽  
The Public ◽  
Us Congress ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
National Conversation ◽  
The Us ◽  
Library Program ◽  
The Government

The GODORT Preservation Working Group urges the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT) to promote a national conversation about the value of preserving historic Government publications in multiple formats in order to serve a diverse public and to publicize the need for Government publications librarians to help the public access those publications. GODORT should urge ALA to ask the US Congress to appropriate funds for preservation of Federal Depository Library Program government publications. This money should be used for direct support of depository libraries who want to preserve their paper and digital government publications.

scholarly journals It's Not Only Size That Matters: Trust and E-Government Success in Europe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Stephany
Keyword(s):  
Role Model ◽  
Young Population ◽  
Baltic State ◽  
Digital Government ◽  
Individual Privacy ◽  
The Social ◽  
User Data ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Government

User data fuel the digital economy, while individual privacy is at stake. Governments react differently to this challenge. Estonia, a small Baltic state, has become a role model for the renewal of the social contract in times of big data. While e-governance usage has been growing in many parts of Europe during the last ten years, some regions are lagging behind. The Estonian example suggests that online governance is most accepted in a small state, with a young population, trustworthy institutions and the need of technological renewal. This work examines the development of e-governance usage (citizens interacting digitally with the government) during the last decade in Europe from a comprehensive cross-country perspective: Size, age and trust are relevant for the usage of digital government services in Europe. However, the quality of past communication infrastructure is not related to e-governance popularity.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN REGIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROCESSES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatyana Grinka
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Business ◽  
Social Mission ◽  
The Social ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Basic Features

The article considers a such type of socio-economic activity as social entrepreneurship in the context of ensuring the financial capacity of local communities, as well as in the plane of solving current social problems. Four main approaches to the interpretation of social entrepreneurship are developed. The basic features and differences in comparison with other forms of economic activity are revealed. It was found that unites all these approaches-priority of the social purpose of economic activity and they differ in the breadth of the scope. The paper outlines the manifestations of socio-economic effects of social enterprises. The importance and urgency of starting social enterprises for territorial communities in the conditions of decentralization are substantiated. Three tendencies of the process of formation and development of social enterprises in the regions of Ukraine are indicated, as well as the main directions of support of social business by local self - government bodies. The official statistical information on the social and business sector is analyzed. The decisive feature of social business is the official declaration of its own social mission in regulations. The main barriers and problems of social enterprise development in the regional socio-economic processes of Ukraine are identified and directions for their elimination are proposed. The study concluded that the practical activities of socio-entrepreneurial initiatives often outpace the state response to current challenges, create jobs, generate significant financial capital and investment in state and local budgets. Thus for the successful functioning of social entrepreneurship in regional socio-economic processes, rationally built economic and management mechanisms are needed, and appropriate strategies (ways) to support the development of social enterprises are outlined. However, each community is unique in its geographical, spatial, socio-demographic, natural and resource characteristics, therefore the activities of local governments will largely determine the specific directions of such strategies.

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