Progress of eSangathan in Including Aging Workforce in the Information Society

In advance of an official report on the results of the eSangathan Conference "Impact of Information & Communication Technology on Ageing Workforce" held in Mumbai in April 2008, a couple articles are providing some insight into progress being made in extending the working-life and knowledge services of aging workers by using information and communication technology (ICT). The eSangathan project funded by the European Union is, among other things, experimenting with two pilot projects in India over the benefits that aged workers could draw from collaborative tools for remaining longer in the work force, with good working conditions.

In an interview covering e-inclusion efforts, Dr Andrew Sors, Head, Science & Technological Development, Delegation of the European Commission in India and a participant at the conference said:

A good example of the impact of ICTs on the ageing workforce was discussed at the e-Sangathan conference. Indeed, through the use of technology, retired knowledge workers are able to keep working on projects if they wish to do so.

They can work from home, don’t need to travel but are able to remain active for longer and this has an extremely positive impact on their lives.

Mr. Ashank Desai, Chairman, Mastek Limited & President of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) , informed the delegates of the importance of collaboration as eSangathan for about 60 million senior citizens in India:

"The country is experiencing a growth rate of 8-9 percent, faces a shortage of talent, and the workforce spectrum could be widened by the inclusion of the aged population to leverage the talent system".

Sources: i4d (Information for Development) "Including the aged in mainstream workforce" (May 2008); The Hindu Business Line "Bringing Silver surfers into the Web" (June 9, 2008)