What’s Up with Elections? Safeguarding Encrypted Messaging Apps from Election Manipulation
Anokha Devi, a dedicated Soochnapreneur from Gutjora village in Khunti Block, Jharkhand, is at the forefront of addressing misinformation, exploitation, and digital illiteracy. Her village, home to around 4,000 people, relies primarily on agriculture and cattle farming. However, limited digital access and harmful traditional practices leave many, especially women and people with disabilities (PWDs), vulnerable to exploitation.
Misinformation, often spread through word of mouth or traditional community leaders such as priests and palmists, deeply influences the rural population in Gutjora. Superstitions and traditional customs are widely practiced, often leading to severe consequences. One such incident involved a woman who was misled into paying INR 10,000 to a healer, promising the birth of a male child. Anokha Devi intervened, educating the woman about the falsehood of such claims, helping her avoid further exploitation. Similarly, traffickers often target young women, promising jobs in urban areas, only to exploit them. Two adolescent girls from Gutjora were rescued by the police with vital support from Anokha Devi, who had encouraged their parents to report the case. To address these issues, the Safeguarding Rural India through Critical Digital Literacy project was launched in Gutjora. This initiative, aimed at improving digital literacy and critical thinking, particularly targets vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and PWDs. The project emphasises practical, locally relevant training, helping community members use digital tools to protect themselves from exploitation. While access to smartphones was initially a challenge in this agriculture-dependent community, shared devices during training sessions mitigated the problem.
To ensure wider participation, Anokha Devi worked closely with Panchayat members and local leaders to gain the community’s trust. She also collaborated with local authorities to register complaints and provide legal support to victims of fraud and exploitation. She conducted phased training sessions during midday breaks to accommodate domestic responsibilities, ensuring greater participation.
The project has had a measurable impact, reducing online fraud, cyberbullying, and misinformation incidents in Gutjora. Anokha’s leadership highlights the transformative power of local grassroots efforts in addressing rural India’s digital challenges.
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