How to set up a TARAKendra

TARAKendras are (envisaged to be) multi activity centers offering a variety of services including IT, life skills and vocational education, net surfing, agricultural based information such as mandi prices and weather information, scanning, printing etc. However, it is not necessary that all these facilities function at the same pace everywhere. While in some cases it may only be IT education, in others it could be net surfing, or information related to agricultural or other daily needs. In other words, it all amounts to providing to the prospective entrepreneur, the opportunity and the infrastructure, hardware and software that will facilitate the smooth function of these Kendras.

The situation prevailing in villages and kasbas (towns) is such that electricity, if available, is erratic or telephone connections, if at all existing, are not fit to carry data. Therefore, for anyone wishing to set up a TARAKendra, there are a number of things to be taken into consideration.
The minimum space required for setting up a Kendra is 100sq.ft.

Given below is a suggested list of equipment whose usage is described in detail.

Diesel Generator Set: Though the actual load is just about 1 to 1.5 KVA, a higher capacity generator set is recommended because the difference in cost of a 2 KVA and 5 KVA genset is not much and the surplus electricity can then be traded by the Kendra owner to generate additional revenue.

Constant Voltage Stabilizer (CVT): As power fluctuation in rural areas is considerable, the functioning of computers is affected badly. To prevent permanent damage, one CVT of 500 VA is required for both the V-SAT and the computer.

UPS: The UPS (or Uninterrupted Power Supply) is a must to safeguard tthe somputer and its data during power failures.

(a) Diesel Generator Set 5 KVA 1
(b) CVT -500 VA 2
(c) UPS – 500 VA 3
(d) Computer Sets 3
(e) Printer 1
(f) Scanner 1
(g) VSAT antenna with earth station  1 set
(h) Fax modem 1
(i) Web Camera 1
(j) Telephone Connection 1-2

Computer set: The minimum requirement is of two sets to share the load of IT education and other activities like Internet surfing, DTP and computer games. Generally in a town with a population of 15,000 to 20,000, two to three computers are needed. One of these should be a high end computer with P-III chip and multimedia, primarily for speedier DTP work, and the other could be low-end type to save on the over-all cost.

Other than the regular software, it is felt that the Kendra should have Corel draw, Photoshop Deluxe, C++, Basic, Web cam software, Fax Software etc and a typing tutor. All these would help in generating additional revenues. 
Printer: Normally an Inkjet printer will suffice. This can later be replaced with a Laser Jet printer, particularly in cities and towns, so that it can be used for creating better print for screen-printing.

Scanner: A flat bed scanner is very useful for Photoshop related jobs, sending picture attachments via e-mail, sending faxes etc. that are good revenue earning streams.

V- SAT Connection: As of today, it would take considerable time and expenditure to provide wired Internet connection to all villages. Therefore, the only practical answer at present is either VSAT or KU-band connectivity. Where dial-up connectivity is available, there is no need for VSAT, instead a 56Kbps modem will suffice.

Web Camera: A very useful item particularly for villages since smaller villages do not normally have a good photography shop. This gadget provides a cheaper and more versatile alternative.

Telephone Connection: A minimum of one connection with STD facility should be there for sending fax messages. This can also be used as a secondary revenue-generating item by letting the people use the STD facility.

Rural Connectivity

The power and speed of the Internet can be fully utilized only if the last mile problem can be solved. The quickest option today is either VSAT or KU-band connectivity to connect the remotest corners of the country, as wired connection is very time consuming and involves huge expenses.

While telephone connections in India grew from zero to 4 million in 40 years (1950-1990), cable TV connections grew from zero to 16 million in just six (1990-1996). This is due to the value perceived in entertainment over other essential items.

The milk co-operative movement initiated by India’s National Diary Development Board and the use of information technology has led to more collection of milk and higher profits for producers. The number of farmers organised into village milk producers’ co-operative societies is now over one million and the daily procurement of milk by the cooperatives is 13 million litres per day.

The milk vending system costs around $2,000 per centre. Two private manufacturers currently produce the equipment. Nearly 600 such systems are in operation in the Kheda district in Gujarat. There are about 70,000 village societies in India, of which 2,500 have been computerised. q
The above is a suggested list and may be modified to meet the individual requirement of each Kendra depending upon its location. q

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