The web and social media have the potential to generate more than 15,000 direct jobs over a period of three years in the State,” said founder-member of Janata Vikas Manch (JVM) Sai Prasan here on Saturday.
Addressing the participants at a workshop on ‘Web and Social Media for Social Sector’ organised by the JVM, Prasan said the penetration of computers and the internet connectivity is very poor in Odisha. “The high load-shedding and the frequent fluctuation of electricity is a major hurdle in a regular use of the internet which is hampering the growth of web and social media in the State,” Prasan said.
He urged the State Government to provide a good environment for expansion of the web and social media which would help the Odia youth develop and get jobs in the sector. “If all the Government departments and non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) open their own websites, hundreds of youths would get jobs easily,” said Prasan, adding, “The Chief Minister should direct all the Ministers, departmental heads, university Vice-Chancellors, professional institutions and others to have their own organisational website within six months.”
Sai Prasan said the web and social media tools would connect Odisha with the global world and would also help the State build a positive image across the globe.
The workshop participants were trained on how to ensure a good and effective website. They were educated on the use of Facebook, Twitter, linked In and mobile apps like Whats App as a tool for advocacy or social cause. Among others, former Information Commissioner Jagadananda, RTI activist Pradip Pradhan, students and social activists attended the workshop.