Date:22/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/22/stories/2007062253310200.htm

Kerala

Treading a new path

Trade union workers sitting glued to computer monitors! That might seem a bit strange to Malayalis whose association with trade unions have not always been cosy.

Whether conscious of their image among the public or not, head load workers affiliated to the Nettoor unit of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) have decided to chart a new path. They have taken the plunge into the world of information t echnology.

A centre of Akshaya, an initiative of the Kerala State Information Technology Mission to spread e-literacy, was formally launched at the INTUC office earlier this week. The centre was opened as part of the Akshaya project in the Maradu Panchayat.

To make these workers e-literate, it was necessary to locate the centre to suit their convenience, Mohammedkutty, entrepreneur of the centre said.

Considering the nature of their job and its timing it would have been impossible to expect them to visit consistently a centre located at a place inconvenient for them, he said. What better place than the trade union office itself, a second home to many.

Mr. Mohammedkutty recollected how some of the workers were terrified on first seeing computers at their office where the usual stuff were party periodicals and circulars. However, the course designed specifically with the aim of wooing in the apprehensive minds did the trick again. Games like catching mangoes meant to make the lessons interesting and enjoyable ensured that their anxiety was soon replaced with enthusiasm.

M.C. Hamza, vice-president of Maradu panchayat and an office-bearer of the INTUC, was excited as he explained how the workers were actively participating in the computer lessons. He urged all trade unions, irrespective of party affiliations, to give computer education to their members.

So, now the workers in Nettoor have developed a new routine. They tap the keyboard and drag the mouse rather than indulging in animated politicaZl discussions which till recently consumed their leisure time.

M.P. Praveen