Tag: DigitalSkills

Business

GCCI & GTA Launch “AI for Career Building” Workshops to Empower Non-Tech Students Across Goa

allycaralgoa

In a major step toward building a digitally empowered and future-ready Goa, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Technology Association (GTA), has launched a groundbreaking workshop series titled “AI for Career Building.” The initiative aims to bring Artificial Intelligence awareness and hands-on digital skills to non-technology students across the state.

The program aligns with the vision of Swayampurna Goa, the state’s flagship mission focused on creating a self-reliant and technologically skilled population. Through these workshops, students from diverse academic backgrounds will gain exposure to AI concepts, digital tools, and employability pathways needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven global economy.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of democratizing AI understanding:

“This initiative is designed to ensure that every Goan student, regardless of stream, understands how AI is shaping the future of work. Our goal is to empower youth with the right mindset, tools, and exposure to become industry-ready in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The workshop series, conceptualized jointly by the Education Committee and IT Committee of GCCI, is slated to be conducted across 20–30 colleges in Goa, including those participating under the Swayampurna Goa program. With an expected outreach of 3,500 to 4,000 students, the sessions will offer practical exposure to AI tools, emerging career roles, sector-specific applications, and digital transformation trends impacting industries worldwide.

This structured intervention aims to bridge the academia–industry gap by promoting digital literacy, enhancing career confidence, and inspiring innovation among Goan youth. The workshops will be delivered by industry practitioners and technology experts associated with GCCI and GTA, ensuring real-world relevance.

The initiative is being led by key industry figures, including:

  • Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI
  • Mr. Manguirish Salelkar, President, GTA
  • Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, Chairman, Education Committee, GCCI
  • Mr. Rohan Warty, Chairman, IT Committee, GCCI
  • Ms. Ambika Kamat Dhakankar, Deputy Director, GCCI

With this strategic effort, GCCI and GTA reaffirm their commitment to developing a skilled, innovative, and digitally empowered generation poised to drive Goa’s future economic transformation.

Social

From Literacy to Legacy: Vedanta Sesa Goa Powers the Dream of a #ViksitBharat

allycaralgoa

Every year on 8th Sep, we celebrate the International Literacy Day to further efforts to bring the light of literacy to every segment of our population. This year the theme for the occasion is ‘Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era’.

Since 1947, India has made remarkable strides, with literacy now at 81.9%, but challenges persist: almost 18% of the population remains outside the fold, the rural-urban divide is sharp, and so is the gender disparity vis-à-vis literacy rates. It is in this backdrop that Vedanta Sesa Goa has been contributing to the Nation’s effort to spread the light of literacy through its CSR initiatives , across five states, as part of Project ‘Vriddhi’.

Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO – Vedanta Sesa Goa, expressed his thoughts on the occasion , “Education is the bedrock of nation-building, and investing in literacy today means investing in a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow. At Sesa Goa, we are deeply committed to augmenting support for education in the far flung regions & to ‘give back’ meaningfully, thus creating lasting pathways for success.On International Literacy Day, we reaffirm our belief that literacy is the true passport to endless opportunities and a Viksit Bharat.”

Augmenting Rural Literacy & Education

Vedanta Sesa Goa under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation has been contributing to the educational support for children in rural areas by upgrading 119 ‘anganwadis’ into Nand Ghars, which are equipped with modern teaching & learning tools.

Over 3000 students benefitted from the ‘Back to School’ initiative in FY24 in the rural & mining belts of Goa & Karnataka, which focuses on reducing dropout rates by providing educational material.1200+ meritorious students from economically underprivileged background have received critical support as part of the Vedanta ‘Utkarsh’ Scholarship.

The Sesa Football Academy (SFA), which also functions as a residential academy for its U17 team, supports the educational journey of the Goan and non Goan players ty for players’ education. Over the years over 230 youth have benefitted from the arrangement.

Bridging the digital divide

Vedanta Sesa Goa, under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, has set up 19 computer labs and 6 computer centres across Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, digitally enabling over 5,000 students annually with National Council for Vocational Training approved courses. A recent addition has been the Computer Labuter lab at Shri Mahamaya High School, Mayem. At the Sesa Technical School run by the Company, the National Skill Development Council approved COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Assistant) course has been instrumental in imparting enhanced digital skills to the youth especially women, with the inaugural batch graduating in Oct 2024 and setting a new milestone.

Ms. Suman Gaonkar, Headmistress, Shri Mahamaya High School, Maem, said “The establishing of the Vedanta Computer Lab marks a significant milestone for our school. In today’s fast-evolving world, access to technology is essential for academic growth and future preparedness. This thoughtful initiative will meaningfully empower our students with the digital skills needed for the modern world.”

Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head – CSR, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we believe that true literacy goes beyond textbooks — it is about giving children and youth the skills, confidence, and opportunities to shape their own futures. From supporting early childhood education through Nand Ghars, to equipping rural students with digital access, to empowering women with market-ready skills, our endeavour is to build communities where literacy becomes a tool of empowerment, enabling inclusive progress.”

As India marches towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, bridging the rural-urban and gender literacy gaps will be central to progress. On this International Literacy Day, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirms its belief: literacy is not just about learning to read and write -it is about learning to live with dignity, confidence, and hope.

TechPulse

Goa Launches Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana to Empower Rural Women with Digital Skills

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, August 7, 2025: With an eye on inclusion and innovation, the Government of Goa has launched the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana, a transformative scheme that aims to digitally empower women, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state.

The scheme was officially launched at the PAC Hall, Secretariat, by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, along with Minister for ITE&C Rohan A. Khaunte, and dignitaries from Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG) and the Directorate of IT.

“We are taking digital literacy to the Gramin women ensuring they are equipped with the confidence and skills to navigate today’s digital world,” said Dr. Sawant.

🎯 Why This Scheme Matters

As digital technologies increasingly shape economies and services, the gap between those with access and those without is growing. Women in rural areas often find themselves on the wrong side of this divide. This scheme directly addresses that gap by providing:

  • Essential digital literacy: Using smartphones, browsing the internet, accessing government schemes and financial tools.
  • Localized training: Conducted in familiar, accessible public venues such as panchayat halls, schools, or religious buildings.

Empowerment through knowledge: Digital fluency is linked to better financial independence, access to opportunities, and self-confidence.

🧑‍💻 Who Can Apply?

  • Women aged 18 and above
  • Must be a resident of Goa for 15+ years

Open to all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds

🏫 Where & How Will Training Be Conducted?

Training will be facilitated through:

  • Empanelled IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs)
  • Common Service Centres (CSCs)
  • Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs)

Classes will be hosted in accessible locations such as schools, panchayat halls, or community spaces.

💸 Scheme Benefits & Financial Provisions

  • ₹500 per participant allocated to cover training program
    • 80% to training partner (CSC/ITKC)
    • 20% to ITG
  • ₹100 additional per person to CSCs/VLEs for sessions in public spaces (infrastructure support)

Three-year validity, with potential for renewal

💬 Government’s Vision

Rohan Khaunte, Minister for ITE&C, stated:

“This initiative supports Viksit Bharat 2047 and our goal of women-led development. By empowering women with digital skills, we open pathways to income generation, confidence, and active participation in the digital economy.”

🌐 Looking Ahead

The launch of the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana is part of Goa’s broader vision to become a digitally inclusive and economically equitable state. With strong government support and a clear implementation plan, this initiative is poised to transform the lives of thousands of women—one screen, one skill, and one empowered choice at a time.