Danow
Kulgam · Qaimoh
How This Centre Works
The Smartpur Centre is managed by a Centre Facilitator (CF) who oversees daily operations and supports residents in accessing government schemes, digital services, online applications, and documentation support.
A Computer Academic Instructor (CAI) supports digital literacy activities and helps community members and students develop basic digital skills.
The centre is supported by the Team, including the District Coordinator, Project Coordinator, State Project Lead, and other team members. The District Coordinator oversees centre operations at the district level, coordinates with government departments and stakeholders, supports community mobilisation, and ensures effective implementation of activities. The State Project Lead, Project Coordinator, and other REACHA team members provide guidance, monitoring, and technical support to strengthen the centre’s functioning.
The centre works in collaboration with various government departments including the Social Welfare Department, Rural Development Department, Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, Health Department, Tehsil Administration, NRLM, JKB RSETI, KVK and different Banks. These partnerships provide training, technical guidance, capacity building, livelihood support, and awareness about government schemes to support community development.
Sajaad Ahmad Khanday
The Centre Facilitator acts as the primary point of contact between the Smartpur Centre and the community. The role involves supporting residents in accessing government schemes, e-governance services, online applications, and digital services.
I believe a digital centre becomes successful when people trust it and feel comfortable approaching it for support. By understanding community needs, reaching out to residents, and connecting them with the right services, we can make technology more meaningful and accessible for everyone." Sajad Ahmad Khanday's journey from an MCA graduate exploring employment opportunities to a successful Centre Facilitator reflects determination, entrepreneurship, and community service. After completing his post-graduation in 2020, he started working online from home by using his computer skills and supporting residents with essential services. In late 2023, Sajad joined the Smartpur as a Centre Facilitator. Through persistent door-to-door outreach, he created awareness about available services and supported residents in accessing government schemes, digital services, labour-related support, and financial inclusion facilities. His efforts have helped transform the Smartpur Centre into a trusted resource for the community, connecting rural families with government services, support systems, and new opportunities.
Our Initiatives Transforming Lives
Community Context
Who we serve
The centre serves residents of Danow and nearby villages, including Farmers, Workers and labourers, Women, Senior citizens, Youth and students, Families seeking support with government schemes and digital services
Challenges addressed
- Limited awareness about government schemes and available benefits. - Difficulty in completing online applications and documentation. - Need to travel outside the village for accessing certain government services. - Limited access to digital support at the local level. - Limited access to digital resources and lack of digital knowledge were addressed by providing free computer facilities, hands-on training, and guidance at the local level, enabling more people to access digital services independently. - Need for assistance in accessing social protection, labour, and livelihood schemes. - Limited awareness about skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Key Learnings
- 01Regular community outreach helped create awareness about the centre and its services. - Many residents required support with online processes
- 02documentation
- 03and accessing government schemes. - Door-to-door engagement helped build trust and encouraged residents to access available services. - Digital and financial inclusion services at the local level reduced the need for residents to travel for essential services. - Skill development initiatives and Govt. department collaborations helped create awareness about livelihood opportunities. - Setting up computer centres with free digital literacy training helped community members/students develop basic digital skills and improved their confidence in using technology for education
- 04services
- 05and daily needs.