Uttaranchal Govt launches "Gyanotkarsh"

Launched in association with Intel, Gyanotkarsh aims at increasing PC
penetration in the state by making PC equipment more accessible for citizens
with limited income, thereby enabling more households to learn new skills at
home.

Launched on March 22, the program aims at enhancing computer literacy levels
in the entire state and hence enable Uttaranchal stake claim to attract more
industry investment. HP and HCL have been commissioned to provide a range of
powerful Intel Processor-based PCs at attractive price points, created
specifically for government employees.

The company, along with the Uttaranchal government, has entered into
agreements with three banks-State Bank of India, Bank of India and Union Bank-to
provide loans at special interest rates to government employees, with the
intention of bringing down the EMI to Rs 400.

While Intel will train 100 unemployed youth to do support and maintenance
jobs in the state, the government will back them with its employment generation
scheme by providing easy loan facilities. Under the human resource development
and training sub-head, the state has allocated a budget of Rs 15 crore for next
year, which will include training activities under the Gyanotkarsh program.
Intel will very soon be rolling out similar initiatives in Kerala, Karnataka and
Delhi.

Jasmine Kaur, New Delhi