Chotigam
Shopian · Hermain
How This Centre Works
Smartpur Centre Chotigam works through a coordinated community-based approach with the primary objective of empowering people through digital literacy, financial literacy, and access to essential services, enabling them to become digitally aware, financially informed, and self-reliant.
The District Coordinator conducts community mobilization, identifies local needs, and coordinates and collaborates with government departments, banks, educational institutions to plan and implement various development initiatives and convergence activities. The Centre Facilitator manages the daily operations of the centre and provides governance, financial inclusion, and other citizen-centric services to beneficiaries. The Computer Application Instructor (CAI) conducts computer education and digital literacy classes, equipping students and community members with essential digital skills.
Based on the identified needs, the centre regularly organizes livelihood training programmes, digital and financial literacy sessions, awareness camps, and facilitates access to online government services. Through continuous community engagement and stakeholder collaboration, Smartpur Centre Chotigam helps people become digitally empowered, financially knowledgeable, and capable of using technology and financial services confidently, with a special focus on women, youth, farmers, and other vulnerable groups.
Rayees Ahmad Wagay
The Centre Facilitator (CF) is the primary service delivery functionary at the Smartpur Centre. The CF ensures the effective delivery of digital governance, financial inclusion, education, and citizen-centric services to beneficiaries. The CF assists community members in accessing government schemes and online services, facilitates registrations and applications, supports awareness and livelihood programmes, mobilizes beneficiaries, maintains centre operations and records, and ensures that services are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in a timely manner.
Rayees Ahmad Wagay, a postgraduate and previously unemployed youth from Chotigam, was identified through the Smartpur Centre and selected as a Centre Facilitator (CF) after successfully completing the prescribed recruitment and interview process. Through his dedication and commitment, he effectively manages the centre and delivers digital governance, financial inclusion, and citizen-centric services to the community. Today, he is earning a stable income, has gained valuable professional experience, and has become a role model for local youth, demonstrating how meaningful employment opportunities can transform lives.
Our Initiatives Transforming Lives
Community Context
Who we serve
Farmers, Students, Senior Citizens, Labours, Women, Elderly, Persons with disabilities and other community members.
Challenges addressed
The Smartpur Centre Chotigam has addressed challenges such as hilly terrain and seasonal migration through regular community outreach, need-based planning, and doorstep service delivery. The centre also conducts community mobilization in adjacent villages to ensure wider participation and the smooth implementation of programmes. Continuous engagement with local residents, effective mobilization, and strong collaboration with government departments, banks, and other stakeholders have helped ensure that essential services, awareness programmes, digital and financial literacy initiatives, and livelihood opportunities reach beneficiaries despite geographical and seasonal constraints.
Key Learnings
- 01● Integrated services improve community participation and access to essential services. ● Community mobilization and need-based planning ensure better programme implementation. ● Collaboration with government departments enhances service delivery. ● Digital literacy and skill development increase employability and self-reliance. ● Financial literacy and awareness programmes promote informed decision-making. ● Providing multiple services under one roof makes support more accessible and convenient. ● Active community participation strengthens the sustainability and long-term impact of the centre.