PLACEPALAYAM
THIRUVALLUR · POONDI
How This Centre Works
| A Smartpur Centre works as a one-stop community service and development hub in rural areas. It connects people with government welfare schemes, digital services, financial inclusion programs, and livelihood opportunities. The centre conducts awareness programs, digital literacy and skill development trainings, supports youth in accessing employment opportunities, and empowers women through entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives. It also assists farmers and community members in availing banking services, insurance schemes, and social protection benefits. By bringing essential services closer to the community, the Smartpur Centre helps improve livelihoods, promote inclusive development, and create sustainable opportunities for rural households. |
“B. Ranjith Kumar, aged 35, is a Diploma holder in Mechanical Engineering from Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. Before joining the Smartpur Project, he worked for five years at GRT Jewellers India Pvt. Ltd. Although he had stable employment, he was looking for an opportunity to serve his community while working closer to his hometown. His life changed when REACHA NGO, with the support of NOKIA, established the Smartpur Centre in his village and offered him the role of Community Facilitator. This opportunity enabled him to work within his own community while providing essential digital and citizen services, creating awareness about government welfare schemes, and promoting digital and financial literacy among rural people. The role has not only provided him with a stable source of income but has also earned him recognition and respect within the community. Through meaningful work and continuous interaction with villagers, he has strengthened his professional skills and contributed to rural development. Today, B. Ranjith Kumar enjoys improved financial stability and takes pride in helping people access essential services, while he and his family are leading a more secure, confident, and fulfilling life.”
Our Initiatives Transforming Lives
Community Context
Who we serve
The Smartpur Centre is committed to supporting rural and economically weaker communities by serving women, youth, farmers, students, self-help group (SHG) members, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups. It helps people access government welfare programs, digital services, financial facilities, skill training, and livelihood opportunities. By working in collaboration with local communities and village-level stakeholders, the centre identifies community needs and delivers appropriate support. Its primary objective is to promote inclusive and sustainable rural development while enhancing digital awareness, improving access to essential services, and creating better opportunities that contribute to an improved quality of life for all community members.
Challenges addressed
The Smartpur Centre has played a significant role in overcoming major issues faced by rural communities, including inadequate access to digital facilities, low awareness of government welfare programs, limited financial services, and insufficient employment and livelihood opportunities. Through digital awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, skill enhancement activities, and financial inclusion initiatives, the centre has enabled rural residents to benefit from essential services. It has assisted women, youth, and farmers in accessing government benefits, digital banking facilities, and self-employment opportunities. By encouraging active community involvement and collaborating with local institutions and stakeholders, the Smartpur Centre has helped strengthen the social and economic development of rural communities.
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