Cold response to 'FLOOD IT'

Jitendra Dave, Ahmedabad
DNA
Contrary to its hyper expectations, the Gujarat Urban Co-Operative Banks Federation’s (GUCBF) information technology initiative - 'Flood IT Knowledge Revolution from KG to PG' - could unfortunately elicit a very lukewarm response.

Instead of the envisioned disbursement of loans for around one-lakh desktops and laptops, the GUCBF was able to disburse loans for only 25,000 desktops and laptops despite the extension in the period of the scheme.

However, the federation has termed the initiative a success as it has served its purpose of creating awareness about information technology in rural areas of the state.

The apex body of around 300 urban co-operative banks in Gujarat launched the information technology drive in February 2009. The GUCBF had launched the initiative with great pomp in Gandhinagar in presence of chief minister Narendra Modi.

It expected to disburse loans to around one lakh people under its scheme, which was valid for 100 days. The federation had to extend the scheme up to August 10, 2009 because of lack of response. Under this initiative, the federation provided laptop and desktop computers to the children of the members of urban co-operative banks, district co-operative banks and primary credit societies at reasonable rates. Besides, it also gave loans for up to 70% of the amount at 0% interest.

The federation had collaborated with HP, Acer and HCL to make 14 models of laptop and desktop computer available under this scheme.