Nestled in the Sakhinetipalli mandal of East Godavari district, Mori is a small cashew-exporting village that has made headlines by becoming one of India’s earliest and most successful examples of a Smart Digital Village. With digital infrastructure, cashless transactions, and tech-enabled services now a part of everyday life, Mori offers a compelling blueprint for rural transformation in the 21st century.
What Makes Mori Smart & Digital
1. Infrastructure & Connectivity
All 1,189 households in Mori were provided with fibre-optic internet at ~15 Mbps, telephone connections, WiFi, and a cable TV service featuring approximately 250 channels.
The monthly cost is around ₹149 per home for the combined services.
2. Digital Literacy & Cashless Transactions
Mori boasts 100% digital literacy among villagers.
All households and small businesses/cornershops have been enabled to transact via e-banking, RuPay cards, and POS (Point of Sale) machines.
3. Sustainable & Smart Solutions
Technology partners like Google, Cisco, IBM, and Ericsson have been involved in pilot projects such as Smart Water Grid Management, IoT-based agricultural tools, and Connected Aquaponics.
LED street lighting was introduced to reduce energy consumption.
4. Social and Sanitary Indicators
The village has been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Each household has its own sanitary facility.
Residents were given smartphones and training for digital payments, net banking, and usage of apps.
Impact on Daily Life & Economy
Agriculture & Local Trade: Farmers can monitor water supply, use digital tools for yield calculations, and access markets online.
Financial Inclusion: With every household having bank access and cashless options, villagers face fewer hurdles for remittance or bill payments.
Quality of Life: Digital classrooms, internet-based learning, and cable TV bring global connections and entertainment.
Challenges & What’s Next
Sustainability: Ensuring consistent internet uptime and affordability over time.
Scalability: Replicating Mori’s model in villages with varied geography and demographics.
Training & Adoption: Bridging the gap for older residents or those with lower literacy levels.
Why Mori Matters
Mori shows that even small rural communities can leapfrog traditional limitations when provided with the right digital tools, infrastructure, and support. It was one of the early village models powered by FiberNet/Triple Play services in India and sets a precedent for Smart Digital Villages under Indian rural development policy
Conclusion
Mori has turned from a modest cashew-exporting village into a model for digital transformation. What began as a pilot of internet and cable services has expanded to encompass cashless transactions, sustainable tech solutions, and improved livelihoods. For those interested in rural development, smart villages, or using technology for social good, Mori is an inspiring case study.
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