Domestic Workers stage demonstration

February 20, 2011

Mangalore, February 20: The members of Domestic Workers Integral Development Forum (DWIDF) Mangalore took out a rally in support of their demands on Saturday at St. Joseph's High School Campus Kankanady here.

Rita Norohnha, retired Professor of School of Social Work Rohni Nilaya inaugurated the rally which was culminated at youth Training centre Olivet House, Jeppu.

Addressing the domestic workers, Co-ordinator of Karnataka Domestic Workers' Union Bangalore Sr. Celia, said the domestic workers need to be organised to raise voice against atrocities committed on them.

She said, “Often young domestic helpers are abused, verbally and physically and also sexually exploited,”

She said, seven Non Government Organisations including CODP, Sahodaya, Roshni Nilaya, St. Aloysius, Break Through, DKPO and PUCL have been working for the welfare of domestic helpers with the DWIDF.

A memorandum containing the demands of domestic workers has been handed over to Labour Commissioner Venkatesh Shindihatti by Dr.Sandeep, Associate Professor, St. Aloysius College. The demands include proper wages and regular increments, good condition of workplace, specific work hours, and providing identity cards from governmental etc.

Venkatesh Shindihatti, Regional Laborer Commissioner Fr. Onil. Secretary CODP, DG Nagesh, Assistant Labour commissioner spoke on the occasion.

Eliz Mary, Oswald Monteiro and others were among those present.

Vasanthi welcomed the gathering while Sunitha proposed vote of thanks. Suma and Sr Prema compered the programme.

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RuTAGe smart village centres in DK, Udupi to being technology closer to rural communities

News Network

January 20,2026

Mangaluru: In a major step towards strengthening rural innovation, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India is supporting the establishment of RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) across the country through collaborations with academic institutions, civil society organisations and philanthropic partners.

As part of this national initiative, Nitte (Deemed to be University) will set up the first RSVCs in the region at Nitte GP in Udupi district and at the Nitte Health Centre, Sevanjali Trust, Farangipete, in Dakshina Kannada district. The centres will be inaugurated on January 21. In South India, the programme is being implemented by the Section Infin-8 Foundation (SI-8).

Speaking to reporters on Monday, SI-8 founder-director Vishwas US said experts from Nitte University and SI-8 would work closely with farmers, students, youth and local entrepreneurs to adapt and deploy technologies tailored to local needs.

Project head Prof Iddya Karunasagar, representing Nitte DU, said the RSVCs at Nitte and Farangipete would serve as demonstration hubs for a wide range of agriculture, energy, skill-development and assistive technologies. These include solar dryers for fruits, vegetables and crops; soil-testing solutions; power weeders and women-friendly farm tools; wind-powered devices for rural artisans; grain storage systems; grass-cutting and tree-climbing equipment; and liquid fertiliser production using cowshed waste.

SI-8 CEO Aravind C Kumar said the centres would also provide access to digital and knowledge-based platforms such as ISRO applications, government scheme portals, market linkage tools and gamified learning resources, along with assistive technologies for persons with visual impairments.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof Ajay Kumar Sood said it demonstrated how applied research could bridge the rural–urban divide and help create self-reliant, technology-enabled villages.

The initiative has been made possible through philanthropic support from Dr NC Murthy of ACM Business Solutions, LLC, USA. Dr Sapna Poti, Director (Strategic Alliances) at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, said the long-term objective is to build self-sufficient, technology-driven communities capable of generating sustainable livelihoods on their own.

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