Tag: digital inclusion

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Government of Goa Explores Collaboration with Starlink to Boost Statewide Digital Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Government of Goa has initiated strategic discussions with Starlink to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at strengthening digital connectivity and accelerating technology-led development across the State. The meetings were held on December 12, 2025, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, as part of Goa’s broader vision for digital inclusion and resilient infrastructure.

The first meeting took place at the Mantralaya in Porvorim in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The Starlink delegation included Ms. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations – Global Access & Operations, Shri Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head of Starlink India, and Shri Manoj Ladwa, Government Affairs Strategist and Chairman, India Global Forum.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted Goa’s rapid progress on its digital transformation roadmap and the State’s continued efforts to strengthen public service delivery through technology. He noted that Starlink’s interest in Goa could enable the State to leverage high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband to support infrastructure development and enhance connectivity in sectors such as tourism, education, industry, fisheries and rural communities that depend on reliable communication networks.

A second meeting was held at Taj Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula, attended by Shri Rohan Khaunte along with Dr. V. Candavelou IAS, Chief Secretary of Goa, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Mr. Pravimal Abhishek IAS, Secretary Science & Technology and Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation, the Director of Transport, senior officials and the Starlink leadership team.

During the discussions, Shri Rohan Khaunte underscored Goa’s emergence as a preferred destination for global technology companies, stating that the State continues to witness growth in emerging technologies and innovation-driven enterprises. He emphasized that global players increasingly recognise Goa as an ideal hub for developing and scaling technology solutions.

The meetings explored how Starlink’s satellite network could complement Goa’s development priorities by strengthening rural and shadow-area connectivity, enhancing high-speed data access for industrial and electronic manufacturing clusters, supporting last-mile delivery under the Har Ghar Fibre programme and modernising maritime and fisheries operations with real-time communication capabilities. The discussions also touched upon advancing Goa’s Digital Nomad vision by ensuring seamless internet connectivity.

Additional opportunities were examined to support initiatives such as CCTV surveillance at beaches, AV and AR-based visitor guides, connectivity for schools in low-coverage regions under the CARES initiative and improved digital services for tourism, homestays, beach security and maritime experiences.

Through these engagements, the Government of Goa continues to advance a comprehensive connectivity roadmap focused on strengthening rural networks, enhancing maritime communication systems and expanding last-mile digital access, ensuring inclusive and seamless connectivity across the State.

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.

EduConnect

Goa Expands ITKC Network to Empower Youth with Future-Ready Digital Skills

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, August 07, 2025 – In a progressive move toward digital equity and future-readiness, the Government of Goa has announced the empanelment of new Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) under the ST/SC Empowerment through ICT Scheme.

The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for ITE&C Rohan A. Khaunte at PAC Hall Secretariat, Porvorim, in the presence of top officials from the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG).

💡 Aimed at Building Careers, Not Just Skills

The newly empanelled ITKCs will now operate in six additional talukas: Bardez, Ponda, Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona.

These centres will offer over 33 foundational and advanced courses in high-demand domains such as:

  • Ethical Hacking
  • 3D Design
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Cyber Safety for Women
  • Robotics
  • Project Management
  • Basic Computer Literacy

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said,

“We aim to deepen digital access and provide structured skilling to empower SC and ST youth, helping them become self-reliant and career-ready.”

💻 Free Laptops and Drone Didi Initiative

The scheme goes further than training.

  • Free laptops will be provided to eligible EWS and OBC students pursuing engineering in Goa.
  • Goa also becomes the first state to focus on drone pilot training for women SHGs, aligned with the national Drone Didi scheme, promoting rural micro-entrepreneurship.

🌐 Building a Future-Ready Goa

Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated,

“This is about inclusive tech. We’re not only creating jobs—we’re creating digital citizens who can lead innovation in their communities.”

The ITKCs are part of Goa’s broader citizen-first digital policy, aiming to build inclusive growth, equal opportunity, and a future-ready workforce.

Social

Department of ITE&C Distributes Laptops to Tribal Students at Sanguem Empowerment Camp

allycaralgoa

Sanguem, July 3, 2025: Supporting the Government of Goa’s inclusive governance drive, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte spearheaded digital inclusion efforts at the Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp held in Sanguem, as part of the nationwide “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan” — India’s largest tribal empowerment campaign led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

As part of the initiative, the Department of ITE&C distributed 22 laptops to meritorious students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities for the academic year 2023–24, empowering them with tools for education and digital learning.

Organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the camp brought together multiple state departments to deliver welfare schemes, health services, and digital support directly to tribal citizens.

The camp was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The dignitaries marked the occasion by lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the beginning of the event. The gathering was also graced by several other dignitaries, including Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Ho’ble Minister for Social Welfare; Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly; and Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA of Sanvordem Constituency and Chairman of GTDC, among others.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) highlighted how technology is being used to promote inclusive development across tribal regions of Goa. The department showcased its digital initiatives aimed at expanding access, including free laptops for meritorious ST/SC students, ICT training for youth and homemakers under the ITKC Program, and the Goa Online and Gramin Mitra platforms that collectively provide over 200 essential e-services across the state.

Officials also shared updates on the Har Ghar Fibre and BharatNet 3.0 efforts, which are expanding 4G and broadband infrastructure in rural areas, enabling better access to education, employment, and public services.

In addition, the department set up a stall at the camp, where officials engaged in one-on-one interactions with community members, explaining various digital schemes, government e-services, and the long-term benefits of digital literacy.

Beyond digital empowerment, the camp provided free health screenings and on-site welfare support, including, Free routine screenings, breast and TB check-ups, dental assessments, and PMJAY health card registrations were conducted on-site, creating an integrated service delivery model that prioritizes both connectivity and care.

This initiative forms part of the national observance of 150 years of Janjatiya Gaurav, honouring the heritage, resilience, and contributions of India’s tribal communities.

The success of the event reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to tribal welfare, inclusive growth, and digitally enabled governance, paving the way for a more connected and empowered future.

Human Interest

Gramin Mitra Reaches Remote Corners of Goa, Bringing Govt. Services to 25,000 Citizens’ Doorsteps

allycaralgoa

Panjim, June 28: In many parts of rural Goa, accessing government services often meant long waits, repeated visits, and missed workdays. Today, that is changing.

Through the Gramin Mitra Yojana by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa, essential public services are now being delivered directly to citizens’ homes. The initiative has made it easier for senior citizens, women, and students to obtain important documents and access government schemes without the hassle of travel.

By focusing on remote and rural areas, Gramin Mitra is bridging the digital divide while contributing to social and economic development in rural Goa.

Whether it’s obtaining residence, EWS, or caste certificates, or applying for the Kala Samman Scheme for senior artists, services that once required multiple trips to Panchayats and government offices can now be accessed from the comfort of home.

Sneha Salgaokar, a resident of Sankhali, who availed services for her father, shared, “Earlier we had to visit the Panchayat repeatedly and face delays. Now, through Gramin Mitra, the documents come to us. It’s smooth and has made life easier.”

Sheetal Malik, an elderly resident from Sankhali, said, “I am unable to walk, so visiting government offices was not possible for me. Thanks to Gramin Mitra, the team came home and helped me get my Life Certificate. The experience was good, and I felt supported.”

The service operates through CSC e-Governance and is supported by a dedicated call centre (14471), available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. Citizens can initiate requests easily without facing digital barriers, making it accessible for all.

In 2024, CSC (VLEs) recorded over 1.15 lakh service requests through Gramin Mitra. By mid-2025, more than 25,000 transactions have already been completed, reflecting growing trust and demand for doorstep governance.

Mr. Nandraj Naik, a beneficiary from Pernem, said, “I received both my Divergence and Residence Certificates smoothly. Gramin Mitra has saved us time and made us feel more connected to governance.”

From North to South Goa, Gramin Mitra is bridging the digital divide and making public services inclusive and accessible to all. What’s taking shape here is more than digital innovation—it’s governance becoming visible, accessible, and embedded in everyday life.

As Goa continues to build its identity as a hub for IT, startups, and inclusive innovation, initiatives like Gramin Mitra demonstrate how governance is becoming simpler, more responsive, and closely aligned with the needs of its people.