These women received hands on-training in computer applications and software for collecting utility bills. A suitable location in a busy area was selected—usually one or two rooms that were rented, donated, or owned by the community—and rehabilitated with community support to ensure safety, power supply, and customer services. After the installation of the computer and related accessories, the community was informed about the services being offered by rural kiosk. Support and involvement was solicited from educational foundations, establishments, agriculture departments, farmer organizations, and others to provide content and learning materials. The kiosk was open for at least eight to ten hours each day to provide the advertised services, and feedback was obtained from customers about ways to improve and increase the scope of services. The self-help group members who operated the kiosk were provided with incentives and encouragement to ensure that they would provide services demanded by customers. Benefits and Impacts  The kiosks have benefited rural households in the following ways: Ease of paying electricity, telephone, and water bills—which is also a source of revenue for kiosk operators. Availability of market prices for agricultural products and commodities, which enables farmers to obtain better prices for their crops, avoid exploitation from intermediaries, and increase their incomes. Issuance of caste, income, and residence certificates, which eliminates the need to travel long distances and reduces occasions for rent seeking by government officials. Provision of digital photography and lamination services. Provision of computer classes to increase marketable skills among the unemployed, especially the young people, who have been able to find jobs as a result.
The income-generating services have helped make the kiosks financially viable. An investment cost ranging from about Rs175,000 (US$4,000) to Rs247,000 (US$5,600) per kiosk yields a net monthly profit ranging from Rs7,000 (US$160) to Rs18,000 (US$400), depending on the number of households served and the range of fee- and demand-based services offered.  Lessons Learned and Issues for Wider Applicability  The main lessons learned include:  Ownership and management by motivated and enthusiastic women’s self-help groups, eager to learn and provide client-oriented services, are essential for the sustainability of rural kiosks.  Continuous training for the kiosk operators in applications of information and communications technology is important.  The selection of an appropriate location is critical to increasing the client base. The location should offer potential to cater to the needs of local businesses, enterprises, temples, and other potential customers.    
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