Village Resource Centres (VRCs) network, set up by ISRO, Department of Space, and Department of Science, Technology and Environment, at Thengaithittu harbour was launched on Saturday by Union Minister of State for PMO V Narayanasamy.
ISRO will provide Rs 26 lakh for setting up five VRCs at Mudaliarpet, Mannadipet, Nettapakkam, Mahe and Yanam. The VRCs would provide services to people in rural and coastal areas. The services include tele-education, access to space-based information, advisories on agriculture, land and water management. Also, the VRCs provide enhanced livelihood opportunities, information on price, market, pests, diseases, livestock, government schemes, job opportunities and e-governance.
Speaking on the occasion Narayanasamy said through the VRCs fishermen can get to know about the concentration of fish in the sea and they can go the the spot directly for the catch. Similarly, farmers would get advice on the soil and crops that would be suitable for cultivation, he added.
ISRO chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan, Puducherry Local Administration Minister N G Paneerselvam, Power Minister T Thiagrajan and officials of the administration were present.