Dhodhra

Arvind Kumar Nanoma

The SMARTPUR Centre is managed by a Centre Facilitator (CF) from the local community, who delivers services, maintains records, mobilizes beneficiaries, and coordinates with the Gram Panchayat and REACHA team. Revenue generated from digital and citizen services contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Centre, while continued community participation strengthens local ownership.

Aravind Kumar Nonama (34) is a resident of Dhodhra Gram Panchayat, Dungarpur district, Rajasthan. Living with his wife, five school-going children, and elderly mother, he is the sole earning member of the family. Before joining the SMARTPUR project, he operated a small e-Mitra and Bank BC centre with very limited resources, earning only ₹7,000–10,000 per month, which was insufficient to support his family. His centre lacked essential digital equipment, technical skills, and reliable electricity and internet connectivity. As a result, he could provide only limited services, forcing villagers to travel long distances for government and banking services. Many people missed out on welfare schemes such as pensions, PM-Kisan, Jan Aadhaar, and Palanhar due to lack of awareness and timely assistance. Children in the village also had little access to computer education. His life changed after becoming the Centre Facilitator (CF) under the SMARTPUR Project. Through the project, Aravind received digital infrastructure, including solar power backup, laptops, printers, furniture, and other equipment, along with regular training, mentoring, and technical support. These resources strengthened his confidence and enabled him to expand the range and quality of services offered at the SMARTPUR Centre. Today, Aravind provides a wide range of government, banking, and digital services from his village, including pensions, Jan Aadhaar, birth and death certificates, e-Shram registration, PM-Kisan services, banking transactions, and digital literacy classes. Villagers now receive essential services locally, saving significant time and travel costs. The SMARTPUR Centre has become a trusted community resource, improving access to government schemes, promoting digital inclusion, and enhancing financial literacy. Aravind's journey reflects how the SMARTPUR project has transformed not only his livelihood but also the lives of hundreds of people in his community by bringing digital services and opportunities closer to their doorstep.