India

A project in the state of Orissa was set up to use ICTs in the rehabilitation effort after the devastation brought by Super Cyclone of October 1999. ICT tools will bring enhanced transparency, accountability and efficiency in the entire rehabilitation initiative. The project will also facilitate information provision and coordination for the many agencies active there. The project will be active in at least 8-Blocks along the coastline, where rehabilitation work is most extensive, with small information units which will be connected to the Internet.

One national UNITeS ICT technical specialist is primarily involved in the supervision of NUNV IT Facilitators assigned for the 8 Blocks taken for integrated development. The Volunteer (1) is part of the Inter-sectoral team at the UN House in Orissa; (2) works closely with all the District/Block Administrations with the responsibility for implementation of IT installation and networking projects; (3) installs appropriate software, and develops training modules for community leaders; (4) assists in the connection of all 8 Blocks to the State Administration and UN House, and develops appropriate systems for connectivity and e-administration.

Seven national UNITeS ICT facilitators primarily assist the ICT technical specialist in setting up the information units in each block. They (1) work closely with the block administration to prepare a village-wise rehabilitation plan and also monitor the same; (2) access all relevant information available at the state level through the internet/network for use at the block level development activities; (3) assist in implementing software and training modules for the state/block government officials.