What is UDC and why?

Union Information and Service Center is a state-of-the-art information and knowledge center (telecentre) based on information technology established in the Union Parishad with the objective of ensuring information services at the doorsteps of grassroots people. From this center, people of rural areas can easily get information and necessary services based on life and livelihood in a familiar environment near their home.

On 11 November 2010, the Hon'ble Prime Minister inaugurated all the Union Information and Service Centers (UISCs) across the country simultaneously through video conferencing from her office and from the Char Kukrimukri Union of Bhola District, Miss Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and former Prime Minister of New Zealand. About 40 lakh people are receiving information and services from these centers every month. With the easy, fast and low cost access to public and private services through UISC, the living standards of the local people have begun to change drastically.

The journey of UISC started with the slogan 'Service at Doorsteps'. The establishment of UISC has made it possible to create a free flow of information in every sphere of society and state system, where people do not have to go door to door for services, but the service reaches the doorsteps of the people. Free flow of information is one of the prerequisites for people's empowerment. The establishment of Information and Service Centers in 4,501 Union Parishads of the country has facilitated access to information and services in the fastest time with the participation of rural people in the free flow of information.

Materials:

A UISC has multiple computers and related equipment, which have been and are being installed in phases, with the aim of ensuring improved information services for the public in the area. The necessary materials for UISC come from entrepreneurial investments and Union Parishad funds (revenue sector and LGSP project). With a computer with a minimum stabilizer, a black and white printer, a color printer, a modem for on-line connection, a scanner, a digital camera, the activities of a UISC can be started initially. However, for full UISC management, the following materials are required:

Multiple computers (desktop and laptop)

1 multimedia projector with big screen

1 laser printer

1 color printer

1 modem

1 scanner machine

1 laminating machine

1 photocopy machine

1 digital camera

1 webcam

1 generator

Depending on the local demand, some UISCs may have more or less surcharges.

The Union Information and Service Center has been set up based on the PPP (Public-Private-People's Partnership) model. Each UISC has two local young entrepreneurs, one male and one female. These entrepreneurs run UISC. In some centers, one woman and one man entrepreneur as well as one woman and one man are working as 'alternative entrepreneurs'. The entrepreneur is not a paid employee of UISC, the income of each UISC is the income of the entrepreneur. An entrepreneur is also an investor in UISC.

Partnership:

UISCs are being run under the leadership of Local Government Department. Other activities are carried out under the direction of the Cabinet Department and under the management of the local administration, including the supervision of the UISC. Funding comes from LGD and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) for UISC's required ICT equipment and training for entrepreneurs. In addition, the BCC has provided solar panels to 1,013 powerless unions and brought all the union councils of the country under electricity. In addition, a number of banks, insurance companies, mobile companies, NGOs, educational research institutes, hardware and software associations, etc. are joining UIAC with their services, new skills and technical support.

Eksheba

Ekseba (https://uddokta.eksheba.gov.bd/) is a platform for entrepreneurs through which entrepreneurs provide all kinds of services to the general public. UDC entrepreneurs upload their daily income information here.

Blog (uiscbd.ning.com):

The UISC Blog (uiscbd.ning.com) is designed for entrepreneurs to interact with each other, establish relationships and communicate with entrepreneurs through local administration officials. The blog is a powerful online platform for 9,002 entrepreneurs from 4,501 UISCs across the country, where entrepreneurs can exchange experiences, identify problems and find solutions, work together, and work hand in hand with local administrations. , Even having the opportunity to discuss with policymakers if necessary.