Tag: digital empowerment

TechPulse

How Goa Is Harnessing Technology to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

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Goa is rapidly embracing digital transformation, with women across the state emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital contributors. From grassroots digital literacy initiatives to advanced technology training and startup incentives, the Government of Goa is expanding economic opportunities for women across both rural and urban landscapes.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is implementing a range of programmes designed to unlock women’s potential through technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana

A flagship initiative, the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly for women in rural and underserved areas. The scheme provides hands-on training in the use of digital devices, online platforms, and essential digital services.

Open to Goan women aged 18 and above with a minimum of 15 years of residency in the state, the programme is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Training sessions are conducted in accessible locations such as panchayat halls and community centres, ensuring last-mile reach.

By bringing digital literacy directly to villages, the initiative is improving employability, enhancing digital confidence, and enabling women to access wider markets and online opportunities.

From Villages to Skies: Women in Drone Technology

Goa has also introduced drone pilot training for women under the national Drone Didi scheme. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receive specialised training in drone operations and maintenance, opening pathways in agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

For many rural women, this initiative marks a transition from technology users to technology-driven service providers, creating new income streams and fostering entrepreneurship within local communities.

Women-Focused Startup Support under Goa Startup Policy 2025

Under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell has launched targeted mentoring and funding support for women-led startups. Women founders working in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, and 3D printing are eligible for a monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for up to 12 months.

This one-time financial assistance supports startups at the ideation, prototyping, validation, or early traction stages, ensuring access to capital, mentorship, and structured guidance during the critical early phase of their entrepreneurial journey.

Building a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy

From digital literacy at the village level to advanced drone training and startup funding, Goa’s initiatives are creating a gender-inclusive ecosystem where women actively participate in both traditional and emerging sectors.

As digital tools reach remote areas and technology-led enterprises continue to grow, women are becoming key contributors to Goa’s evolving innovation and economic landscape, reinforcing the state’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

EduConnect

U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program Concludes Successfully at Ganpat Parsekar College

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The five-day U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program came to a meaningful close at Ganpat Parsekar College of Education, Harmal, bringing together a vibrant group of educators, trainers, and experts who shared a collective commitment to strengthening digital awareness across Goa. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on digital safety, AI literacy, financial literacy, and essential government schemes, all delivered through creative, interactive, and community-oriented methods designed to be easily transferred to local groups and institutions.

The closing ceremony featured distinguished speakers who enriched the learning experience with their insights and expertise. Prof. Anand Kumar delivered an inspiring keynote address that emphasized the importance of digital empowerment in an increasingly technology-driven world. Dr. Rahul Tripathi from Goa University added depth to the discussions with his insights on responsible and conscious digital participation. Dr. Arvind, also from Goa University, encouraged participants to think innovatively through a powerful lightning talk that highlighted new ways of engaging with digital tools. Amitabh Kumar, Co-founder of Contrails.ai, shared special remarks on the future of technology and the role of community-led initiatives in driving digital progress.

The program also featured an impactful inaugural talk by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang of Anjuna Police Station, who addressed rising cyber threats and shared essential knowledge on safe digital practices, responsible online behavior, and the significance of protecting personal data. His real-life examples and practical advice enabled participants to understand cyber challenges more deeply and carry forward this awareness in their communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the diversity of expertise and the interactive nature of the sessions. Many shared that the training boosted their confidence in guiding others toward safer, smarter, and more responsible digital habits. The U.N.M.U.T.E. initiative concluded on an uplifting note, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating digitally aware, resilient, and empowered communities across Goa.

TechPulse

Goa Launches #EmpoweredInGoa Campaign to Celebrate Digital Empowerment and Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and innovation-driven state has taken another significant leap with the launch of the #EmpoweredInGoa campaign by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C).

As the State evolves beyond its traditional image as a tourist destination, this new campaign celebrates how technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusion are transforming lives and creating opportunities for every Goan.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, said, “The biggest strength of Goa lies in its people. With #EmpoweredInGoa, we are not just highlighting the digital advancements the State is undertaking, but we are creating opportunities that allow every citizen to participate in the State’s digital journey. This campaign is about celebrating how people are using technology to build, learn and create, and we want every Goan to be part of this transformation and shape the State’s future together.”

The #EmpoweredInGoa movement showcases how innovation and connectivity are redefining empowerment—through access to public services, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity. From enabling new businesses and startups to expanding e-governance and upskilling citizens, Goa is positioning itself as a state where digital progress meets human potential.

The DITE&C has implemented several initiatives that reflect this vision. The Har Ghar Fibre project is bringing high-speed internet to every household, while the Gramin Mitra program ensures senior citizens can access government schemes conveniently. Free WiFi hotspots and the IT Knowledge Centres are equipping citizens with essential digital skills.

Highlighting the campaign’s inclusive focus, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, said, “Empowerment begins with access to technology, opportunities and knowledge, and our department is committed to delivering this. Through initiatives like the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY), IT Knowledge Centres, and Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for Meritorious SC/ST Students, we are ensuring digital literacy reaches even the remotest corners of Goa.”

Goa’s dynamic startup ecosystem also plays a central role in this empowerment narrative. Guided by the Goa Startup Policy 2025, founders are benefitting from infrastructure, seed funding, and mentoring support. Programs like the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 and the upcoming Goa Startup Accelerator, a five-month program, are further strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

As Goa continues to embrace digital transformation, the #EmpoweredInGoa campaign captures the essence of this journey—where technology is a bridge to opportunity, and empowerment is both inclusive and participatory. The initiative positions Goa as India’s Creative Capital, a place where progress is driven by people, powered by technology, and shaped by shared purpose.

Social

From Aspiration to Achievement: Over 1 lac+ Youth Skilled by Sesa Goa

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As India gears up to achieve its economic aim of being a $7 trillion economy by 2030, the manufacturing sector is identified as a key enabler for achieving this aim. The National Policy on Skill Development envisages skilling of over 500 million individuals to meet the demands of India’s growing economy. Due to the sustained efforts of multiple agencies employability among Indian graduates has increased by 7% this year, reaching 54.81% in 2025, up from 51.25% last year, reveals Wheebox ETS India Skills Report 2025, in collaboration with CII, Taggd, AICTE, and AIU.

With around 65% of the population >35 years, India Skills Report identifies the age group of 22-25 with the highest employability and in order to maximise this potential, skilling targets need to be met integrating the programmes being instituted by corporate or private entities. Prioritising youth skilling, Vedanta Sesa Goa has rolled out several initiatives in diverse streams such technical, digital, sports and entrepreneurial skills, leading to over 1lac+ youth benefitting for the same progressively.

The Sesa Technical School (STS) in Goa, established in 1994, has helped create an industry-ready workforce.In its 31 years, the STS has achieved a near 100% placement record with over 2,000 technically qualified youth powering India’s economic surge. Specially curated courses for women trainees have also been commenced with the Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) course building further on inclusivity aims. Scholarships are also extended to encourage & spur women participation.

The India Skills Report 2025 identifies that 50% of secondary and tertiary students are likely to benefit vocational training imparted to them. The STS has recently initiated short term vocational training courses, which are expected to create over 1000 skilled youth in three years.

Expressing his thoughts on the contribution of Sesa Goa in the field of skilling, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa said ‘’For a rapidly evolving and progressive India, a skilled workforce is essential to achieve the aims of #ViksitBharat. We,at Vedanta Sesa Goa, prioritise skilling of our youth through technical training, digital skilling, sports and vocational training as a key part of our core philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully to the society. Our endeavours such as the Sesa Technical School, Sesa Football Academy, Vedanta Computer Centres and Labs and Vedanta Tailoring Centres have contributed to the skilling of over 1 lac youth since 2018.”

Mr Pradip Sarmokadam , Member Secretary Goa State Biodiversity Board & Chief Guest stated during a visit to the STS in Jun ’25 that “I would like to extend heartiest congratulations to STS & SFA for their contribution in shaping the futures of the youth from the villages & mining belt. I also compliment them for their efforts towards skilling the youth as upskilling is extremely important for building self-confidence”
As per Teuila Hampson, Chief People’s Officer, LinkedIn, by 2030 the skills needed to do work in India would have undergone a change by 64% with innovation , digital and AI-based skills driving the change. This necessitates that the digital divide is bridged and Sesa Goa with 8 Vedanta Computer Centres & 18 Vedanta Computer Labs has since 2018, ‘digitally’ enabled over 80000 students across locations. The emphasis on digital skilling recognises the decisive trends in skilling & aligns with the World Youth Skills Day 2025 with its theme – “Youth Skills for the Digital Era.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s focus on skilling extends to developing entrepreneurial and sporting skills.The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in Goa has emerged as a powerful talent hub, with over 230+ graduates among whom are 11 who have donned India colours at the international level. The Vedanta Women’s League has had a massive impact on women’s football in Goa, with cumulatively over 1400 women players having found a platform to develop skills in the sport.

Aspects such as developing entrepreneurial skills as part of Project ‘Jeevika’ and mentoring youth through placement-linked skill training also form a vital part of Sesa Goa’s contribution to skilling.

A holistic approach to skilling will contribute to creating a powerful ecosystem of opportunity for India’s youth. Digital & AI fluency along with technical, vocational and other skills will ensure the fulfilling of the vision of a #ViksitBharat.

TechPulse

Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop Empowers Akashvani Staff in Panaji, Goa

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June 19, 2025, Panaji, Goa : In a proactive step toward building digital resilience, a Cyber Crime Awareness Workshop was successfully conducted for the staff of Akashvani, Panaji (All India Radio) on June 19, 2025. The session, aimed at equipping participants with vital knowledge on cybersecurity threats and best practices, was led by Mr. Rohir Naik, CEO & Digital Business Expert at Coderix, who served as the Guest Speaker.

With cybercrime incidents on the rise across industries and sectors, this workshop served as a timely initiative. Mr. Naik addressed the fast-evolving landscape of cyber threats—ranging from phishing scams and data breaches to ransomware attacks and social engineering techniques. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, he emphasized the importance of digital hygiene, strong password practices, multi-factor authentication, and staying vigilant in the digital realm.

Participants gained crucial insights into:

  • Recognizing and responding to phishing and malware attacks
  • Safe browsing habits and email security
  • Protecting personal and professional data on digital platforms
  • The importance of regular software updates and backups
  • Legal implications of cybercrime under the IT Act

Mr. Naik also shed light on how organizations can implement basic cybersecurity frameworks, promote awareness among teams, and build a culture of digital responsibility.

“In today’s hyperconnected world, every individual is a potential target—and a potential line of defense. Awareness is not just important, it’s essential,” said Mr. Naik during the session.

The workshop was met with enthusiastic participation from the Akashvani staff, who appreciated the practical tips and clear, jargon-free approach. It concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees voiced concerns and shared their experiences with cyber challenges.

Why It Matters:
In a media and broadcasting environment where digital workflows are increasingly prevalent, safeguarding systems and data integrity is paramount. Sessions like these are a vital step in ensuring that employees are not only informed but empowered to act against cyber threats proactively.

The initiative reflects Akashvani Panaji’s commitment to staying future-ready and fostering a cyber-aware workplace culture.

About the Speaker:
Mr. Rohir Naik is a seasoned digital business expert and the CEO of Coderix, a technology-driven company that champions digital literacy, transformation, and cyber safety across organizations in India. His expertise spans across IT strategy, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.