The village of Mandaura in Sonipat, Haryana, witnessed a historic milestone with the inauguration of the RuTAGe Smart Village Center (RSVC), a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gap between rural needs and technological advancements. The center was launched by Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, alongside key partners Commodore Sridhar Kotra, Founder of the Modern Village Foundation, and Mr. DP Goel, Chairman of the Chaalis Gaon Vikas Parishad. Their collective efforts have brought to life a vision that places innovation at the heart of rural development.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Sood emphasized the significance of ensuring that technology reaches the grassroots level, addressing critical challenges faced by rural communities. The RSVC model is designed to provide direct solutions for issues such as animal intrusion, organic farming, and livelihood-enhancing technologies, including bead-making and bakery machinery. By integrating innovation with market access, this initiative aims to uplift rural livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the community.
Under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, the RSVC will serve as a permanent hub at the Panchayat level, catering to the technological needs of multiple villages over several years. It will offer 12 technology tracks covering diverse sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, financial inclusion, assistive technologies, and waste management. Partnerships with prestigious institutions like IITs, IISC, and various government bodies ensure that high-quality, research-backed solutions reach rural populations effectively.
One of the key highlights of the initiative is its emphasis on market linkages. Collaborations with platforms like ONDC, Amazon, and Market Mirchi will enable rural producers to connect with larger markets, helping them sell their products beyond local boundaries. Additionally, a Government Schemes Help Desk will provide villagers with crucial information about financial assistance and welfare programs, ensuring that government benefits are accessible to those who need them the most.
The RSVC model also places a strong focus on scalability. With plans for 20 new centers across India, the initiative aims to create a network of technology-driven rural development hubs. The Techpreneurs (Foot Soldiers) program will further empower women entrepreneurs to promote and sell innovative solutions within their communities, fostering self-reliance and economic growth at the grassroots level.
The launch event brought together representatives from various ministries, foundations, corporates, and NGOs, all of whom played an instrumental role in making this project a reality. Their support underscores the collective commitment to fostering rural innovation and ensuring that technological advancements reach even the most remote corners of the country.
As Mandaura emerges as a model village for technological transformation, it sets an inspiring precedent for future RSVCs across India. The Principal Scientific Adviser’s office reaffirmed its dedication to continuously monitoring the progress of the initiative, refining its impact, and scaling up its reach. This launch marks a significant step in the government’s mission to empower rural India with sustainable, scalable, and impactful solutions that will improve lives for generations to come.
