Ministry of Rural Development, iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi) Join Forces to Advance Rural Development Solutions

New Delhi – Department of Rural Development, The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi), and iHub Anubhuti, the Technology Innovation Hub of IIIT-Delhi, have entered into a collaborative partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing rural development solutions. This partnership brings together key stakeholders to jointly address challenges faced in rural communities across the nation.

The MoU encompasses the following key areas of collaboration:

Collaboration with Knowledge Partners: The parties involved will identify relevant knowledge partners, including research scholars, interns, faculties, and research engineers, to collaborate on solving rural development problems. By leveraging diverse expertise, this collaboration seeks to develop comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Utilization of Resources: The partnership allows for the use of equipment, data, and expertise for various research activities related to rural development.

Data Protection and Confidentiality: In cases where non-publicly available data or data containing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is accessed, stakeholders from IIIT-Delhi and iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Confidentiality agreement provided by the Ministry of Rural Development. These measures are in place to safeguard data and ensure adequate protection mechanisms.

Commitment to High-Quality Deliverables: All parties involved will strive to achieve high-quality results within a reasonable timeframe. The focus is on ensuring that developments and projects meet rigorous standards of excellence.

Intellectual Property Ownership: In the case of a solution designed specifically for any application of the Ministry of Rural Development, the MoRD will have the first right to exclusively use the solution, considering it the property of MoRD. However, if the MoRD refuses to use the solution or grant the right to iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation, it will be considered the property of iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation. The MoRD may also consider joint ownership or allow the solution to be made available to other interested parties through a written agreement.

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, represented by Joint Secretary (IT), Department of Rural Development, and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi) represented by Director and iHub Anubhuti-IIITD Foundation represented by Project Director,have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Secretary, Department of Rural Developmentto collaborate on solving challenges faced in rural development across the nation. The collaboration aims to define a technology roadmap and develop innovative solutions that address the unique needs of rural communities.

The MoU highlights the commitment of all parties to collaboration, innovation, and the development of sustainable solutions for rural development. It provides a framework for effective cooperation and underscores the importance of intellectual property rights, data protection, and confidentiality.