ISEC Report Finds Profit in Women's CSCs Post-Pandemic in India

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 4 April 2024

According to a study conducted by researchers from the Institute of Social Change and Economics (ISEC) funded by the Azim Premji Foundation found that India's Common Services Centres (CSCs) have emerged as crucial access points for the e-delivery of government services and schemes. The study was conducted in the regions of Bengaluru city, Bengaluru rural district, Ramanagara, and Mandya signifies the importance of small business entrepreneurship and women's empowerment.

In the respective regions, CSCs led by women are earning a significant amount by 2023 compared to the male-leading companies. This change was evident specifically during the pandemic, which suggests that these firms had a strong post-Covid comeback. By 2023, the non-metropolitan CSCs have reduced the pre-pandemic income gap in comparison to the metropolitan areas making greater income and indicating their growing success in non-metro regions.

In terms of the monthly income, it has been noted that women made, on average Rs 1,583 more in 2023 than male in the same category. However, this income disparity was witnessed between 2019 and 2022 but was evident after the post-pandemic commercial prospects. Women were more keen on taking advantage of the business climate after the pandemic, as said in the report.

Entrepreneurs typically invest Rs 1.2 lakh in CSCs, earning commissions for services delivered. The decentralized, e-platform model ensures transparency, provides new livelihood opportunities for women, and can include ancillary businesses.

The Indian business arena will acquire more than 5.7 lakh operational CSCs by February 2024, with about 4.48 lakh of them being found in rural areas. These centers are essential for services that drive welfare, Aadhar, and other government-to-citizen initiatives. CSCs have demonstrated their potential to eradicate the digital divide which exemplifies PM Modi's vision, to empower rural women through self-employment and increased access to essential services.