INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT: AN OVERVIEW Lal B Suresh, Assistant Professor of Economics, University Post Graduate College, Kakatiya University at Karimnagar, AP_India Rama Boddireddy, Faculty of Computer Science, University Post Graduate College, Kakatiya University at Karimnagar, AP_India Ahmed Hussain Shaik, Associate Professor of Commerce, University Post Graduate College, Kakatiya University at Karimnagar, AP_India ABSTRACT In September 1972, India saw the first organized application of science for the task of rural development. The CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) adopted Karimnagar in Andhra Pradesh and prepared a plan for its comprehensive development. The scientists were committed to rural with the theme of “Science and Technology for Rural Development”. Information technology has become a potent force in transforming social, economic and political life globally and without its incorporation it is difficult for countries. IT helps to construction of gobar gas plants, road formation and drainage system, improved latrines, smokeless chulahs, windmills, and low-cost housing. Telecommunications and television in India can help actively control population, increase food production, achieve social and economic development and provide an access to education. Many people with disabilities are able to work and support themselves, leading lives as they choose because of support from computers. Introduction: A few organizations are today engaged in developing an appropriate technology for the rural development. Some of them are Agricultural Universities, Krishivigyan Kendra’s, Regional Research Laboratories, I ndian Institute of Technologies, Handlooms, Handicrafts and Coir Boards. CSIR laboratories implemented improved techniques of disinfection and storage of food grains leading to increase in production and aromatic plants provide an additional or alternative crop with economic advantages. The technologies in the areas of low-cost housing, rural roads, public health and sanitation are direct benefits to the rural population. Transfer Technology vs Rural Development: In 1978-79, the government launched a scheme under which thirty-five community polytechnics scattered over seventeen states were selected to act as focal points for the proper transfer of technology. They were expected to plan and formulate rural development programs, transfer of appropriate technology supported by technical services, undertake manpower development, provide training and disseminate information to the rural population. Many of them attempted integrated area planning at the block level and took up projects such as the construction of gobar gas plants, road formation and drainage system, improved latrines, smokeless chulahs, windmills, and low-cost housing. The schemes however, were implemented in a casual way and produced insignificant results. Other projects such as kachara gas plants wherein agriculture waste has completely replaced cow dung as a feedstock and janata gas plants, an adoption of the biogas plants are being implemented very shortly. The Economic Challenger. No.-6, Issue-23, April-June 2004, pp.34-37 ISSN:0975-1351