Digital Empowerment Foundation

DEF's primary objective is to provide inclusive internet access, aligning with global mandates for digital inclusion. Their programmatic initiatives include Community Information Resource Centres (CIRCs), which foster digitally literate and empowered communities. Wireless community networks (C-ISPs) enable communities to establish and manage their own internet infrastructure. The Wireless for Communities (W4C) programme connects rural areas lacking commercial internet services. "Internet Box" offers a plug-and-play networking solution for small coverage areas. Smartpur promotes digitally integrated villages for improved governance and access to services. Neerjaal is a water mapping website empowering rural communities to manage water resources effectively. These programs collectively aim to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to information and services.

DEF's Education & Empowerment programme addresses information poverty and economic poverty through projects aligned with national and global mandates. The START programme imparts digital literacy to rural and tribal communities, while the National Digital Literacy Mission promotes digital literacy in every Indian household. The EDGE program enhances English proficiency and digital skills among adolescent girls, and the Integrated Technology in Education initiative leverages ICT for improved learning in government schools. Helping Women Go Online empowers women with Internet usage guidance, and Gyanpedia facilitates computer-aided learning and knowledge exchange in rural schools through an online content repository.

DEF's objective to strengthen grassroots democracy and governance through digital interventions is realized through various initiatives. The Soochna Seva project improves access to Government schemes and entitlements in backward districts. The Digital Panchayat project enhances transparency through web portals for each panchayat. Samarth Soochnapreneur empowers differently-abled individuals as village-level entrepreneurs through digital training. Internet Roshni promotes digital inclusion for the Tea Tribe and Adivasi Community in Assam. Mission Corona Vijay protects vulnerable groups during the pandemic through vaccination initiatives. These programmes empower communities, promote transparency, and ensure access to essential services and information.

Under the Markets & Social Enterprises programmatic area, DEF focuses on integrating grassroots markets with the global market through digital interventions. These initiatives empower deprived communities and promote entrepreneurship. The DigiKargha Foundation supports digital empowerment and socio-economic sustainability in clusters. The e-Heritage Project collaborates with communities to preserve heritage digitally. The eNGO Programme helps grassroots nonprofits establish an online presence. Facebook Dost imparts digital marketing skills to micro-entrepreneurs. SHE Hosts enhances livelihood opportunities for rural women through local art, craft, culture, tradition, and history. These programmes contribute to digital inclusion and support non-profits working in various sectors.

In the knowledge network and database programmatic area, DEF aims to create a common platform for recognizing and sharing best practices in ICT for Development in India and South Asia. The projects focus on different categories of digital media, including mobile phones and social media, to empower communities. The programme includes prestigious awards such as Manthan Awards, mBillionth Awards, SM4E Awards, CIRCE awards, and eNortheast awards, fostering collaboration and dialogue among experts and individuals with similar goals.

The programmatic area focusing on advocacy and research is crucial for DEF's goals, requiring support from stakeholders such as the Government, industry, civil society organisations, and citizens. Projects in this area include initiatives like a capacity-building workshop on data protection discourse for digital media professionals, the Advance Data Justice Research and Practice project to promote equity and data justice in AI/ML systems, Project WAAT to combat online abuse and provide support resources, and the Green Prakriya platform for collaboration on sustainable habitat using ICT.