Author(s): Manoj PK, Lakshmi, Sruthy Krishna and Reni Sebastian
Given the vast potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for bringing in innovations in business processes, thus leading to better quality services at lower costs, and also effective marketing of products through social media, like, electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM), this paper suggests promotion of ICT for rural development and women empowerment in India. Citing global and national success stories, the case of Kerala State in Indian union has been focused in this paper, pointing out the favorable policy measures like ‘Digital India’ at the national level and ‘Kerala Knowledge Economy’ at the State level. So, income generating initiatives by women should be encouraged so as to empower them particularly with extensive ICT integration. As micro Enterprises (ME) of women run through collective efforts like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) could empower them, models like SHG-Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP) are successful for States like Kerala with vast network of SHGs of women, banking network and tele-density.