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Microsoft India has entered into a partnership with Hughes to create a self-sustaining IT infrastructure in rural areas by deploying broadband enabled ICT kiosks in about 200 towns and villages across the country. The ICT kiosks will be deployed across 200 small towns and rural regions, and will be operated on a franchisee-based model offering promising entrepreneurs across rural areas the use of technology for e-commerce, education, and e-governance.

The aim of the venture is better communication and access to information through all round connectivity and offer people a platform to acquire skills sets, undertake e-literacy programmes for ordinary citizens, the statement said.

Hughes India CEO and President Pranav Roach said, "the ITC kiosks will not only provide a platform for exchange of information and knowledge but also serve as a platform to create over 15,000 jobs and self employment opportunities."

Adding to it, Rohit Kumar, country head - public sector, Microsoft, said, "This partnership is a step towards our aim of providing a holistic ecosystem under 'Project Saksham' at the ground level, and enable the rural ecosystem."

Microsoft, under its 'Saksham' initiative, will offer a 12-day IT literacy program for kiosk operators, aimed at helping operators to become IT literate so as to enable them further the cause of IT penetration in the country. This training will be provided free of cost, and will be conducted in more than 60 locations across India.

Powered by the HughesNet satellite broadband network and Microsoft's platform, the kiosks will be run and managed by local entrepreneurs for providing content and services to people, ensuring a sustainable return on investment.