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National Conference on “The role of IT in National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)"

Organized by Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Computer Society of India

Call for Abstract 
   
About CSI
The Computer Society of India was conceived as a body of IT professionals in 1965. Since its inception, the Society has been driven by its mission to promote research, knowledge sharing, learning and career enhancement for all its stakeholders.
The Society while working closely with other industry associations, government bodies and academia, envisions that the benefits of IT advancement should ultimately percolate down to every single citizen of India. To fulfill its objectives CSI has carved out his own niche which is very much evident from its wide range. CSI have 5 divisions, 8 regions, 15 SIGs, 66 chapters, 381 branches and almost 40000 members across the India.
In pursuant to the above mission and objectives of the Computer Society of India, it is proposed to conduct a national conference on ‘The Role of IT in National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)’ by partnering with a renowned socially committed Institute Tata Institute of Social Sciences. 
 

About TISS
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was established in the year 1936 to start an educational institute which would not merely impart education to the country's young and bright but engage them in the socio-cultural, economic and political realities of India so that they can work for its sustainable and equitable development.
In the seven decades of its existence, TISS has conceived with the highest principles of modern education which is very much evident in the recognition that it has got from different ministries of the Government of India and also from various reputed international agencies such as the United Nations. 

About Conference
National Conference on The Role of IT in National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is a jointly endeavor of two well renowned organization i.e. The Computer Society of India and Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
In India where 78% population is leading inadequate life and where employment opportunities are rare, there NREGA and the right of work in true sense a ray of hope amongst the unskilled and unorganized work force, majority of whose concentration lies in 330 backward districts of India. NREGA has attracted a great deal of attention from various sections such as researchers, government authorities, civil societies and now from IT sector as well. Information Technology is seen as key players in NREGA reforms. The use of IT can solve many issues related with NREGA with respect to data transparency, social audit, estimation, planning and managing fund flows and standardization of work. Automation of muster roll and transfer of payments will boost the efficiency of the program leading by reducing time taken as well as the administrative costs.  In fact IT is considered a powerful tool in checking malpractices for e.g. reducing corruption in NREGA by opening it for public scrutiny.
This conference is an attempt to explore the role of IT in NREGA and aims to providing a forum to bring together researchers, government officials, civil societies, Social Scientist and IT professionals. It will be a platform where various stakeholders will share their experiences and lessons through paper presentation.
We encourage the submission of abstract describing novel research directions as well as those by leading researchers and persons having practical experiences in following areas.
a) Methodologies for social auditing in NREGA
b) NREGA organization and MIS
c) Socialization of ICT among participants of NREGA
d) NREGA knowledge Management strategies 

Guidelines for abstract submission
Abstract of 350 to 500 words on above mentioned or related topic should be submitted in (.doc) format. All papers should sent by e- mail only to itnregatiss@csi-india.org The deadline for abstract submission is 15th September and decision on acceptance will be made by 25th September 2010.

Participants are also invited for a business plan for the topic mentioned above.  A prize will be awarded to the best business plan.
 
Important dates:

             
Patron

Conference Chair

Program Committee

Coordinator:
Mr. SM Fahimuddin Pasha
PhD Research Scholar
Assistant Manager,
Computer Society of India
(T)+ 91 22 2831 4298/ 2823 5476

Venue:
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
P.B. No. 8313, Deonar
Mumbai  400 088