Karnataka to introduce a simplified internet for rural masses

SHIMOGA: Karnataka government is all set to introduce a simplified internet access system which can be used even by illiterate rural masses to get essential information such as market prices and weather data.

"D-RAX (Data Rural Application Exchange) system", the first of its kind in the country, will be launched on a pilot basis in two zilla panchayats in Shimoga and Ramanagara districts tomorrow, official sources told PTI here today.

Through this system, jointly developed by Karnataka Science and Technology Council and C-DOT ( Centre for Development of Telematics), the rural as well as the general public just by pressing a button of a control system like TV monitor, can hear messages transmitted through the system on weather, market prices, market situation, health tips or any other essential information.

T Sahnakar, incharge of NRDMAS (natural remote data base management system) which controls the system said, villagers can use internet adopting local language for getting connected and browse any information required easily.

He said the system had been successfully field tested by C-DOT at Bangalore and Mysore.

This simplified internet access will enable the rural masses to learn the importance of e-governance, e-market and e-education.