5 Apr 2012

Innovation Challenge to Reduce Worker Drudgery

The country needs an Indian model of inclusive innovation that focuses on the poor. The National Innovation Council’s primary focus is to drive innovation that benefits the common citizen. Mr Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations and Chairman of the National Innovation Council, said here today while announcing the names of the winners of the National Innovation Council’s Innovation Challenge to reduce drudgery for the working class population. He said for too long, innovation has been focused on the problems of the rich. We need a new Indian model. The kinds of ideas generated by this Innovation Challenge are just a starting point to engage the wider community to solve problems for the bottom of the pyramid. 

The Challenge, launched in October 2011, sought innovative ideas from Indian citizens in the areas of design improvement of work implements, models for business opportunities, better processes, new equipment and techniques for different occupational groups like blue-collar workers, street-vendors, and construction workers. These innovations would not be labour-displacing in nature, instead should make it easier and safer for our working class population to earn their livelihoods. 

The six winning innovations include novel design of a rickshaw, a human powered motor, display unit for street vendors, a low cost cycle for physically challenged, and devices to reduce the drudgery of construction workers and sanitation workers. They emerged from a selection process that examined more than 450 proposals, sent in by institutions and individuals of all backgrounds such as students, engineers, government officials, professionals, and teachers, among others from diverse socio-economic backgrounds from across the country. Each finalist would receive focused support from the National Innovation Council, to take their ideas to the next level. 

Mr Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations and Chairman of the National Innovation Council, today announced the winners of the National Innovation Council’s Innovation Challenge to reduce drudgery for the working class the winners of the National Innovation Council’s Innovation Challenge to reduce drudgery for the working class population. The winners of the National Innovation Council’s Innovation Challenge to reduce drudgery for the working class population. Population Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development and Smt. Selja Kumari, Hon’ble Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation along with Shri Sam Pitroda felicitated the winners. 


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