The proliferation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as internet and mobile phones has brought in a wide range of financial services for the urban customer. During the last few years, ICT has also entered the rural financial sector in a small but significant way. The establishment of Kisan Call Centres, Village Knowledge Centres, e-Choupals, etc. have started making an impact on rural life. Attempts have been made by a few banks including cooperative banks and MFIs to promote the usage of smart cards, simputers, etc. but these continue to be pilot projects/experiments. The possibilities and potentials for application of ICT in rural financial services has been increasing immensely. |
The effective delivery of financial services to the rural population hinges on optimum use of viable technology. There is a need for a platform to discuss various opportunities available for use of ICT in rural areas and to identify the issues in adopting the same and finding suitable solutions for widespread up-scaling. The workshop aims to provide such a platform. Besides disseminating the ICT initiatives, business models and technologies among the stakeholders, the workshop seeks to facilitate identification of business opportunities using ICT for financial services. In addition, the workshop will also identify the key impediments in expansion of ICT based financial services and will open discussions on how to address them. The workshop would facilitate healthy exchange of ideas amongst policy makers, practitioners, service providers and experts in the field of ICT. |
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| Objectives |
The objectives of workshop are |
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To identify the key opportunities/challenges in adoption of ICT solutions for financial services at the grass root level. |
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To discuss the ICT initiatives taken by various stakeholders so as to enable them to explore suitable business opportunities and |
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To provide exposure to feasible technological solutions through demonstrations/ discussions. |
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| Coverage |
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Module I: Emerging connectivity solutions |
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Module II : Enabling ICT in Rural areas through e-Governance initiatives |
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Module III: Agriculture Information dissemination through ICT |
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Module IV : Public Private Partnerships |
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Module V: ICT in Rural Financial Services |
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Module VI: Products and Services – Presentations/ Demo by Companies |
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| Methodology |
| The workshop will be highly interactive with presentation of theme papers, case studies, demonstrations by solution providers. |
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| Exhibition Stalls |
Exhibition will showcase the products of technology vendors across the country near the Workshop area to provide an opportunity to the delegates to know about the existing ICT products/ services. |
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| Delegates |
The workshop will bring together participants from across the country representing Senior officials of Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions, CEOs of Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks, MFIs, firms involved in agri-business and IT Companies. Participants attending the workshop will gain greatly through the information sharing, interaction and exchange of views with industry experts and network with decision makers to expand business relationships and opportunities |
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Duration |
| Two days – on 18 and 19 February 2008. |
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| Venue and Accomodation |
The workshop will be conducted at the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Sector-H, LDA, Kanpur Road, Lucknow on residential basis. The delegates will be provided with air-conditioned single room accommodation in the campus of BIRD. The delegates will be provided hostel facility from the afternoon of 17 February 2008 and will be allowed to stay upto the forernoon of 20 February 2008. |
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| Participation Fee |
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Commercial Banks/ Financial Institutions/ MFIs/IT : Rs. 6000/ per delegate |
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IT Companies other than sponsors: Rs.6000/- per delegate |
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RRBs/ Cooperative Banks: Rs 2000/- (Partly sponsored by NABARD) |
The participation fee covers registration chares, boarding, lodging, cost of reading material only. |
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| Mode of Payment |
Delegate fee may be paid by a crossed MICR Demand Draft drawn in favour of “Bankers Institute of Rural Development” on any bank payable at Lucknow. |
| Nomination |
Nominations along with participation fee may be sent by 1 Feb 2008. Photocopies of nomination form may be used for nominating more than one delegate. |
| About Bird |
Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD) established in 1983 by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), is a premier training, research and consulting organisation in India working in the field of agriculture, rural development, microfinance and development banking. This ISO 9001-2000 certified Institute conducts region-focused, issue-specific and research-based training courses and seminars, as well as feasibility, diagnostic studies, exposure visits etc. It has undertaken consultancy assignments for many international bodies like South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC), International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Department for International Development (DFID), ILO etc., besides Planning Commission of India and departments of Government of India and State Governments. It has been regularly conducting training programmes on Finance, microfinance, HR, IT, Projects and rural development for Banks, Government Departments/Corporations, Development Organisations and NGOs. BIRD has also been regularly conducting National / International level seminars/workshops/ consultation-meets on various issues relating to the above areas. Demand based international training programmes are also conducted by BIRD. |
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BIRD has a sprawling campus located at a distance of 7 kms from Lucknow Airport and 9 kms from the Lucknow Railway Jn. It is fully equipped with Library, air-conditioned hostel/ seminar/ discussion rooms, computer lab, lounge, etc. |
Enquies and nominations along with fee may be addressed to: |
The Director,
Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD)
Sector "H", L.D.A. Colony, Kanpur Road
Lucknow-226 012 (India)
Phone No: +91-522-2421187/ 2421137/2421055/2421182
Fax: +91-0522-2421047
Website: http://www.birdindia.com
Email:bird@sancharnet.in, |
| Programme Directors for the workshop |
Smt. S. Vijayalakshmi
Faculty Member, BIRD
Mobile: 9335902350
e-mail: vijibird@gmail.com |
Shri. A K Padhi
Faculty Member, BIRD
Mobile: 9415403730
e-mail: akp5@hotmail.com |
Dr. Shyam Garg
Faculty Member, BIRD
Mobile:9335838133
e-mail:shyam_lko@rediffmail.com |
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NOMINATION FORM
National Workshop on
Rural Financial Services through ICT
18-19 February 2008
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Name of the Delegate:_________________________________
Designation: _____________________________________
Phone No ( with STD Code)________________________
Mobile No.____________________________ |
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Nominating Institution:
Name and address: ________________________________
_________________________________
City:_____________ Pin code__________ State________
STD code_________ Phone No.____________ Fax______ |
Details of fee/sponsorship
DD No. _____________ Date__________ Amount__________
Name of the bank____________ |
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