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In Mithiyawas, at Tijara tehsil of Rajasthan’s Alwar district, 65-year-old Ramkali was battling silent hardships. A widow dependent on her monthly pension for survival, she found herself struggling when, for several months, her pension suddenly stopped without explanation. Like many elderly residents in rural India, Ramkali was unaware that annual pension verification before 31st December was mandatory to continue receiving benefits.
Without guidance or access to digital information, Ramkali endured these difficulties until she sought help at the Mithiyawas Spoke Centre run by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF). It was here that Spoke Coordinator Iqbal listened patiently to her concerns. On checking her records, he quickly realised that her pension had been discontinued due to missed verification.
Without delay, Iqbal helped Ramkali complete the necessary procedures and updated her documents. Thanks to DEF’s community outreach and the prompt support from the Spoke Centre, Ramkali’s pension was reinstated, restoring her financial security and dignity.
Today, she receives her pension without disruption and expresses heartfelt gratitude towards DEF and Iqbal for standing beside her when she needed it the most.
Ramkali’s story is a powerful reminder of the crucial role of information access and community-led digital empowerment. DEF’s Community Information Resource Centres (CIRCs) continue to bridge gaps between essential government services and rural citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind due to a lack of awareness or digital barriers.
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