Panaji, January 2026: Underprivileged Goan students with an interest in technology received hands-on exposure to user-centred design and digital workflows through a campus outreach initiative by Goa-based digital transformation firm Kilowott. The company hosted learners from the Ponda-based Tata STRIVE at its Porvorim campus as part of its efforts to support early industry exposure.
Tata STRIVE works to equip youth from underprivileged communities with quality skill training aimed at improving employability, entrepreneurship opportunities and livelihood outcomes. As part of the visit, ten students from the Ponda centre took part in an interactive session on UX and UI design led by Kilowott’s senior designer, Ashley Custodio Mendonsa.
The session introduced students to the fundamentals of digital product design, team collaboration and the journey of ideas from concept to execution. Learners also observed real-world workplace processes, helping them understand the expectations and dynamics of technology-driven roles.
The visit offered students a practical perspective on problem-solving and collaborative workflows, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements.
Kilowott stated that such initiatives are part of its broader commitment to nurturing future talent in Goa by providing young learners with early exposure to professional environments and emerging career paths in design and technology.
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.
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.
