As a GoI organization, NIC's primary function is to provide technology solutions to GoI offices and State Governments in the country using ICT. This is true for NIC, A & N Islands also. However, NIC with it’s rich and diverse experience in working in e-Governance sector for the past 25 years is uniquely positioned to enlarge the e-Governance activities beyond the Government domain. NIC is now Reaching out to Civil Societies to take up projects which can benefit citizens, communities and societies at large, through ICT. This Out-reach policy of NIC has it's own challenges, given the constraints of working within the rules and procedures to be followed by GoI organizations.
NIC, Andaman is thus venturing into unexplored waters now. It seeks to engage target communities in A & N Islands for this venture. We propose to interact and collaborate with registered societies and organizations in A & N Islands through this portal. We are calling this broadly as “Community Interaction”. Presently, NIC has identified Five priority areas in this venture, for which internet based portals will be developed and maintained by NIC, in collaboration with the community groups :
Each portal as above will have domain specific digital contents, contributions from the community members, interaction and provision of digital services for the community. Suitable databases will be created to sustain and improve this venture.
Under “Education community”, we want to engage with schools and colleges in A & N Islands and provide digital contents for School books / e-Books, Reference materials, freely available, Scope for Higher education in India, Links to Schools in A & N with their events, exhibitions and achievements etc., We also propose a place in the portal where students and teachers can share their products. Focus will be given on “Basic Sciences” curriculum to promote scientific culture and research among the community.
Under “Health community”, we intent to engage with health institutions like hospitals, clinics functioning in A & N Islands for creation of database of “Health sector” for facilities, services, visiting doctors, specialized treatments etc., We propose to have components in the portal for Health Tips, Endemic Diseases occurrence, Interact with Your Doctor online etc.,
Under “Tourism community”, we propose to engage with Private Tourism Service providers (Hotels, Travel agencies, Private shipping services, etc.,) in A & N through their registered societies. We intent to provide online services through the portal benefitting tourists visiting the A & N Islands as well as the tourism industry.
Under “Business community”, we want to collaborate with Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) for promotion of business units in A & N islands in diverse areas.
Under “Livelihoods”, we propose to two initiatives which can expand job opportunities in two sectors:
(a) Small Enterprises: Engage with registered micro and small industries in A & N Islands to provide an online platform for them to showcase and market their products for tourists as well as residents of A & N Islands.
(b) Fishing: Co-ordinate with other Govt organization to obtain online details of potential fishing potential zone in the sea coast of A & N Islands through satellite based mapping to benefit the fishermen community.