ICTpost Media Action
The transformation ushered in through Digital India programme has created opportunities for thousands of individuals, who are discovering their own stories of transformation by tapping into the new entrepreneurial space.
Vijay Bhayani, 45, owner of a modest bicycle shop in Dwarka’s Mithapur, Gujarat, has one such story. He now runs a CSC offering digital services to citizens in the locality. But his shift from being a traditional school drop-out running a bicycle hardware store to a digital services entrepreneur is inspiring.
Vijay has been running the store-cum-repair shop for a decade. He started in this line of work due to financial difficulties that forced him to drop out after 10th standard.
He started this work as an apprentice at a bicycle repair shop learning the trade for few years. After ensuring mastery over the business, he set up his own shop. Despite dropping out from studies, he kept looking for new opportunities and learning. While managing his cycle store, he would also contribute articles for local newspapers Aaj Kaal and Aas Pass.
Buying a smartphone connected him to the online world and with it came the opportunity to learn about the wider world. In mid-2015, he came across a video on CSC on video streaming service YouTube. It caught his attention and he sought out more information on it. This led him to the website of CSC, where he got information on CSC scheme and online services. He immediately registered for a CSC. In the meantime, he cleared CCC (Certificate in Computer Course) certification.
After a month, he received his ID and set up a CSC with a second hand laptop. He started understanding the system through service manuals provided by CSC. Initially, he started with services like PAN Card, Mobile and DTH recharge, etc. Gradually, there was a shift in the nature of crowd at his store. People would come to ask more about various Government services. Vijay then started focusing more on CSC services. Today, Vijay provides services like Jeevan Praman, Digi Pay, Navodaya Admission Form Filling, Ujala LED Bulb distribution and Ayushman Bharat registrations. Till date, he has done registration of 2000 beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat.
Vijay has recently taken Telecentre Entrepreneurship Course and successfully cleared it. He now plans to become a Banking Correspondent so that he can provide various banking facilities to the villagers. editor@ictpost.com
