The Centre has launched Rural Smart Village Centres (RSVC) across the country with the aim of developing smart and self-reliant villages. The initiative has already been rolled out in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Karnataka.
Integration of Existing Schemes
Dr. Sapna Poti, director of the strategic alliances division in the office of the principal scientific adviser to the Government of India, stated on Tuesday that existing government schemes, including the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and other rural development programmes, are being integrated into the RSVC framework. This integration is expected to streamline efforts and maximize impact.
Meeting on Cow Dung-Based Technologies
Poti was speaking at a hybrid meeting organized by the Uttar Pradesh Go Sewa Ayog, which focused on the use of cow dung-based technologies to strengthen the rural economy. The session examined ways to manufacture technically refined organic manure, biopesticides, and biogas energy from cow dung. It also discussed opportunities in agriculture, energy generation, natural farming, rural livelihoods, and employment through scientific interventions.
Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Shyam Bihari Gupta, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Go Sewa Ayog, emphasized that cow dung should be viewed not only as a traditional resource but as an input linked to rural prosperity, natural farming, organic production, and technological innovation aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He added that such approaches could support cow conservation while making villages more employment-oriented, environmentally sustainable, and economically empowered.
Digital Platforms for Innovation
Participants were briefed on "Manthan," a digital platform designed as an open innovation ecosystem where innovators can present ideas and collaborate on developing technological solutions. They were also informed about the "AMRIT" platform, described as a national framework through which villages can register local requirements and challenges. Multiple ministries and state governments are integrated with AMRIT to enable coordinated, need-based technological interventions.
