National Seminar on Digital Empowerment and Rural Livelihoods in India and Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai (March 12, 2026)

The National Seminar on Digital Empowerment and Rural Livelihoods in India: Pathways to Inclusive and Sustainable Transformation serves as a critical junction for researchers and policymakers. This ICSSR-SRC sponsored event, organized by the Department of Economics at the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), focuses on re-engineering traditional rural occupational structures. Consequently, the seminar explores how the Digital India Mission can catalyze inclusive growth and create sustainable economic pathways for the 65% of India’s population residing in rural areas.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Digital Empowerment and Rural Livelihoods in India
Organizing Institution	Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai
Dates & Duration	12 March 2026 – 13 March 2026 (2 Days)
Mode of Delivery	Offline/Physical Venue
Sponsorship	ICSSR – Southern Regional Centre (ICSSR-SRC)

Program Overview

The primary objective of this seminar is to evaluate the transformative potential of digital technology within the rural socio-economic framework. Participants will deliberate on the transition toward a $5 trillion economy and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Furthermore, the seminar provides a platform for identifying digital solutions that secure rural livelihoods against climate risks and economic volatility. The target audience includes research scholars, PhD candidates, faculty members, and rural development practitioners. Specifically, the event expects to host over 100 participants to ensure a diverse and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

The seminar is open to a wide range of academic and professional profiles:

• Academic Professionals: Full-time faculty members and researchers from Universities and Colleges.
• Scholars: PhD candidates and Post-doctoral fellows specializing in Economics, Social Sciences, or Rural Development.
• Policy Makers: Government officials and practitioners working in Rural Livelihood Missions (e.g., DAY-NRLM).
• Criteria: Submission of an original, unpublished research paper aligned with the seminar themes is mandatory for presentation.

Curriculum & Sub-Themes

The seminar is structured around several high-impact thematic tracks:

• Rural Entrepreneurship: Leveraging ICT for micro-enterprises and innovation through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• AgriTech & Precision Farming: The role of Drones, IoT, and Soil Advisory Platforms in enhancing productivity.
• Financial Inclusion: The impact of UPI, AePS, and FinTech tools on rural financial literacy.
• Connectivity Infrastructure: Strengthening the rural digital backbone through BharatNet, PM-WANI, and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
• Governance: Digital technologies for Gram Panchayat efficiency and the development of Smart Villages.
• Green Opportunities: Climate-resilient digital livelihood models and sustainable practices.

Learning Outcomes

By participating in the National Seminar on Digital Empowerment and Rural Livelihoods in India, delegates will:

• Gain deep insights into the current gaps and opportunities in the rural digital ecosystem.
• Understand the policy frameworks required for localized digital empowerment.
• Learn about successful case studies of digital integration in fisheries, dairy, and livestock sectors.
• Develop networking linkages with experts from ICSSR and leading technological institutions.

Certification & Publication

All registered participants who present their research will receive an official participation certificate. Furthermore, research papers will undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Specifically, selected high-quality papers will be published in the Seminar Proceedings with a registered ISBN number, providing authors with significant academic visibility.

Registration Details

Component	Information
Abstract Submission Deadline	10 January 2026
Full Paper & Registration Deadline	20 February 2026
Registration Link	Apply Online via Google Form
Abstract Submission Email	icssr@hindustanuniv.ac.in
Registration Fee	Required (Contact Coordinator for specific rates)

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding paper formatting, venue details, or accommodation:

• Coordinator: Dr. M. Ramesh / Ms. A.G. Gnaneswari
• Email: icssr@hindustanuniv.ac.in
• Phone: +91 9526853487 / +91 9176854291
• Address: Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Padur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 603103.

Additional Information

While a registration fee is required, the organizing institution will extend local hospitality to all participants during the seminar sessions. This includes lunch and tea on both days. Outstation participants are advised to contact the coordinators early for assistance with travel guidelines and nearby accommodation options in Chennai.

Key Highlights

The seminar stands out for its specific focus on “Institutional Convergence.” It emphasizes how different stakeholders—government, academia, and private startups—can coordinate to ensure that digital programs reach the last mile of rural India. This “pathway” approach ensures that discussions are not just academic but also policy-oriented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the National Seminar on Digital Empowerment and Rural Livelihoods in India open to students?
Yes, postgraduate students and research scholars are encouraged to submit their research papers and participate in the discussions.

Can I submit my abstract after January 10, 2026?
The current deadline for abstract submission is January 10, 2026. However, any extensions will be notified on the official HITS website.

Will I get travel allowance (TA) for attending the seminar?
Participants are generally expected to cover their own travel costs; however, local hospitality like lunch and refreshments will be provided during the event.

Are virtual presentations allowed for outstation participants?
The brochure specifies a physical venue at HITS Chennai. Please contact the organizers via email to see if hybrid options have been added.

How do I submit my full paper for the ISBN publication?
After your abstract is selected (intimation by Jan 15), you must submit the full paper in Times New Roman, 12pt, with 1.5 spacing by February 20, 2026.