India

IT for Tourism Promotion, Mass Communication and Emergency Relief
From July 2002 to January 2003, International UN Volunteers (IUNVs) from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, placed under a special agreement under UNITeS, used ICT for various development activities in India.

From July to December 2002, an IUNV from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid assisted the Department of Tourism in its efforts to identify, develop and protect sensitive zones of eco-tourism sites. Tasks included updating the website, coordinating tour operators with tourism promoters and preparing promotional materials such as CD-ROMs and brochures.

From July to December 2002, in cooperation with the Department of Information and Public Relations, another University Volunteer assisted with the circulation of in-house publications to organize press meetings. The IUNV developed educational and awareness-raising films for project clients and trained staff in video film production.

From September to January 2003, a University Volunteer assisted in setting up IT units at the District and Block levels. He supported the administration in its IT operations and developed a database-driven website. Furthermore, he implemented software and training modules for government officials and trained functionaries and District IT staff.

From July to December 2002, a further University Volunteer, under the supervision of the UNDP Team Leader, expanded web access to field offices and developed client server-based financial accounting software. Additionally, the IUNV devised a computerized payroll system for Orissa Hub Office staff members and provided training for the staff on the use of the financial software package.

From July to December 2002, another University Volunteer provided assistance in operational planning processes to improve UNDP's disaster management. The IUNV performed a system study to find best use of ICT in emergencies and explored various ICT tools for catalyzing emergency management, including the preparation of personnel and resource databases.

 

Support for Disaster Relief
A team of National and International UN Volunteers (NUNVs and IUNVs) supported rehabilitation activities in the state of Orissa after the devastation brought by the "Super Cyclone" in October 1999. Using ICT tools, they enhanced the transparency, accountability and efficiency of the entire rehabilitation initiative. The project also facilitated information provision and coordination for the many agencies active in the region. It comprised eight Blocks along the coastline, where rehabilitation work was most extensive, and included small information units which were connected to the Internet.

One NUNV, an ICT technical specialist, supervised NUNV IT facilitators assigned to the eight-Block region. The NUNV was part of the inter-sectoral team at the UN House in Orissa and worked closely with all District / Block administrations in the implementation of IT installation and networking projects and developed training modules for community leaders. In addition, the NUNV assisted in connecting the eight Blocks to the State Administration and UN House, and developed appropriate systems for connectivity and e-administration.

Seven further NUNV UNITeS ICT facilitators assisted the ICT technical specialist in setting up the information units in each Block. They worked closely with the Block administrations to prepare and then monitor a village rehabilitation plan. They likewise accessed information available at the State level through the Internet for use in development activities at the Block level and assisted in implementing software and training modules for State / Block government officials.