As India celebrates 10 years of the transformative Digital India programme, inspirational success stories are being highlighted by the central government.
One such story is that of Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) Rose Angelina M Kharsyntiew from Eastern West Khasi Hills, who exemplifies the power of grassroots digital empowerment.
From a job seeker in 2015 to a job provider and community leader today, Kharsyntiew’s decade-long association with the Common Services Centre (CSC) scheme showcases how digital access can uplift lives and livelihoods, a press release said today.
Operating from Mairang under the name Rose CSC, she has provided essential digital services for government schemes, banking, insurance, telemedicine, education and more.
She also launched Stree Swabhiman, a sanitary pad manufacturing unit, promoting both women’s health and rural employment.
Her work was acknowledged during the national celebration of 10 years of Digital India in New Delhi yesterday.
The event, led by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics & IT (MeitY) and Minister of State Jitin Prasada, recognised the role of CSCs in bridging the digital divide across India.
VLEs like Kharsyntiew were highlighted for their exceptional contribution to inclusive digital transformation.
Vaishnaw appreciated the effort of Kharsyntiew, saying, “Amidst the scenic hills and remote villages of Eastern West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, woman VLE Rose Angelina M Kharsyntiew has scripted a digital revolution. Through her centre in the Mairang area, she is not only delivering services but also setting an example of transformation, empowerment, and community service.”
Over the past decade, CSCs have grown from 83,000 to over 5.5 lakh centres nationwide, reaching nearly 90 percent of villages.
Women VLEs, numbering over 74,000, have played a key role in this growth, delivering critical services and empowering communities.
Digital India will be expanding further, too. With new initiatives like free AI training for 10 lakh individuals and expanded services for VLEs, the next phase of Digital India promises deeper digital inclusion, led by changemakers like Kharsyntiew, the release added.
