Founder’s Note
In the small village of Mithiyawas, nestled in the Tijara tehsil of Alwar district, Rajasthan, lives 65-year-old Ramkali. A widow, she has been managing her life with the help of her widow’s pension. However, for the past three to four months, she had not received her pension, making her daily life increasingly difficult.
Unaware of the reason behind the stoppage, Ramkali struggled in silence. Like many elderly villagers, she did not know that pension verification is mandatory by 31st December each year. This lack of information led to the temporary suspension of her payments.
One day, Ramkali visited the Mithiyawas Spoke Centre run by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), in the hope of finding answers. There, Spoke Coordinator Iqbal listened to her concerns and promptly checked her pension status. He discovered that her pension had been stopped due to non-verification. Without delay, Iqbal guided Ramkali through the verification process and ensured her documents were updated.
Thanks to DEF’s initiative and Iqbal’s dedication, Ramkali’s pension was reinstated. Today, she receives her payments without any interruptions, ensuring financial stability in her later years. Filled with gratitude, Ramkali expressed her heartfelt thanks to DEF and the Spoke Coordinator for their invaluable support.
Her story is a testament to the power of access to information and timely support. Many elderly individuals in rural areas face similar challenges due to limited awareness. Through its various initiatives, DEF continues to empower communities by bridging the gap between essential services and the people who need them most.
This story underlines the impact of timely digital and administrative assistance in transforming lives. With the support of Community Information Resource Centres (CIRCs), rural residents are navigating daily challenges caused by the digital divide and lack of awareness, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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