Context: 

Recently, the Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI, inaugurated the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) Smart Village Center (RSVC) in Mandaura village, Sonipat, Haryana.

More on the News:

• RSVC aims for technology-driven rural development, where the community, local entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders work together to bridge the rural-urban divide.
• The RSVC model is set to expand, with plans for 20 new centres across India.

Key Highlights of the RuTAG Smart Village Center (RSVC) Model:

It serves as a permanent presence at the Panchayat level, to cater to the technological needs of 15-20 villages over several years. 

The RSVC offers a comprehensive range of 12 technology tracks to address the following diverse rural challenges:

• Agriculture & Waste Management: It provides services for agriculture, waste management, homestays, and village tourism, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs).
• RuTAG Technologies: Innovations from 7 IITs, developed under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
• Livelihood & Entrepreneurship: Promoting local entrepreneurship through schemes like the National Rural livelihood mission (NRLM) etc.
• Renewable Energy: Solar hybrid and wind technology solutions, with technical assistance from the SELCO Foundation.
• National Innovations: Technologies from Manthan, Pune Cluster, and IIT Madras for various rural needs.
• Affordable Housing: Innovative housing technologies from Manthan and HR Corporation Pvt Ltd.
• WASH: Waste management, water, and sanitation solutions, including IIT Madras Aquamaps and weVois technologies.
• FinTech: Financial inclusion apps and Augmented reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) technologies developed by IISC and XR Group.
• Capacity Building: Research and capacity-building initiatives with Tier 2 & 3 colleges 
• Government Scheme Apps: Dissemination of government schemes through citizen-centric apps for science, tech, and welfare programs.
• Assistive Technologies: Solutions for differently abled individuals through the Assistive Technology Foundation.
• Custom Solutions: Deployment of technologies like animal intrusion prevention and electronic medical record-keeping based on local needs.

The RSVC ensures quality and feasibility through anchor leads from institutions such as Selco, IIT Madras, and the Assistive Tech Foundation. 

RSVC also emphasizes market linkages through collaborations with platforms like Amazon to ensure that rural producers have access to larger markets and can sell their goods effectively.