The Hindu : Front Page : From a backward district to a prospective BPO hub

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 03, 2007
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From a backward district to a prospective BPO hub

S. Prasad

The country’s first rural BPO unit-cum-call centre offers hope to rural youth of Krishnagiri.

— PHOTO: N. BASHKARAN

SOMETHING TO CHEER: Employees of FoSTERA with their bank debit cards at the rural business process outsourcing unit-cum-call centre at Chanachandiram near Hosur.

HOSUR: Over 30 young employees of a business process outsourcing unit in the Chanachandiram village near here have proved that a backward area such as Krishnagiri district can be turned into an employment generating centre.

Carved out of the once naxal-infested Dharmapuri district, Krishnagiri has been witnessing an exodus of youth in search of employment. But with this pilot project by the district administration to provide means of livelihood locally, there are hopes of more such job-oriented development schemes in the district.

A year ago, the district administration attempted to take advantage of information technology-enabled services for the rural youth, whose minimum qualification was a pass in the X Standard. Making use of the available resources of the District Rural Development Agency, the country’s first rural business process outsourcing unit-cum-call centre was started in the village. And, it has lit up the lives of many youngsters who got their salary through AXIS Bank debit cards.

According to Collector Santhosh Babu, 37 employees of FoSTERA (Fostering Technologies in Rural Areas) comprising team leaders, team agents and proofreaders, received their first salary on Saturday from the U.S.-based All State Insurance (ASI), a NASDAQ-listed company. LEOsoft Technologies, Bangalore, is another client.

While team leaders and proofreaders are paid a salary of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,000 a month respectively, team agents get Rs.3,500 to Rs.5,000 depending on their accuracy level.

The good news for non-graduates is that their entry-level salary is on a par with that of graduates. Those who have passed only X standard and Plus-Two are trained in basic computer, English grammar, accent and communication and soft skills for personality development.

FoSTERA has signed a memorandum of understanding with ASI for three years. The salaries come from the U.S. to Hosur via Singapore through AXIS Bank. The debit card covers health insurance and the payment will be credited in the bank on the 10th of every month.

FoSTERA has also tied up with Electronic Data Systems, U.S., for supply chain management. The district administration has decided to operate similar BPOs in Denkanikottai, Uthangarai and M.C. Palli.

The innovative exercise is expected to go a long way in motivating unemployed youths to pursue education. The Collector is optimistic that the unit will set the trend for BPOs in rural areas.

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