Tag: Goa Government

TechPulse

DITE&C and ITG Transform Canacona’s Digital Landscape with 100+ WiFi Hotspots, 240 CCTV Cameras and Enhanced 5G Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

DITE&C, in partnership with Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd (ITG), has taken a significant step toward enhancing Canacona’s digital infrastructure with the rollout of over 100 WiFi access points, more than 240 CCTV cameras and strengthened 5G mobile coverage at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math.

The project, inaugurated on November 27, 2025, reflects the Goa Government’s commitment to building a resilient digital ecosystem under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. The launch ceremony was graced by His Holiness, Paramapoojya Shreemad Vidyadheesh Teerth Shreepad Vader Swamiji, along with Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Shri Rohan Khaunte and senior dignitaries from DITE&C and ITG. Canacona already enjoyed 5G services from Jio and BSNL, and with the addition of Airtel (Indus Towers) around the Math premises, mobile connectivity has been further strengthened, enhancing access for residents, devotees and the growing number of visitors who arrive to witness the revered 77-foot bronze idol.

Swamiji expressed gratitude to the Goa Government for ensuring digital readiness ahead of the grand celebrations, highlighting the importance of extending digital infrastructure to rural communities. Minister Rohan Khaunte emphasized that the deployment reinforces the state’s long-term digital vision and will continue benefiting the area well beyond the celebrations. Of the 100+ WiFi hotspots installed, 57 are permanent and designed to deliver speeds up to 10Gbps with seamless login via SMS or WhatsApp.

Similarly, the installation of 240 CCTV cameras, including AI-enabled units capable of monitoring headcounts and identifying habitual offenders with police-provided data, ensures a robust security ecosystem. Eighty of these cameras are permanent fixtures, supporting continuous surveillance and crowd management throughout the year.

This initiative marks another milestone in DITE&C’s mission to expand reliable digital services across Goa, ensuring that even rural regions and high-footfall spiritual destinations benefit from modern connectivity and safety solutions.







EduConnect

Goa CM Pradmod Sawant Congratulates PACT Foundation Scholars Selected for QS Youth Impact Summit 2025in London

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, met the three winners of the PACT Foundation’s Scholar Programme who have been selected to represent Goa and India at the QS Youth Impact Summit 2025 in London, UK. The meeting, held at Mahalakshmi, Altinho, underscored the State Government’s encouragement of youth leadership and sustainability-focused initiatives for Goan students. During the interaction, the Chief Minister warmly congratulated the students and emphasised the increasing importance of sustainability research, environmental stewardship, and youth-led innovation. He urged them to make the most of this rare global opportunity, explore best practices in London, and return with ideas that could contribute meaningfully to Goa’s development. He encouraged them to learn deeply and bring back knowledge that would benefit the community.

PACT Foundation, a Goa-based NGO working to uplift the education sector, has been leading several school-upgradation and youth-development initiatives across the state, including the Happy School Project. As part of its mission to empower young Goans, the foundation conducted the PACT Scholar Programme for the QS Youth Impact Summit 2025 through a statewide college competition followed by rigorous interviews. From this process, three exceptional students were selected to represent Goa at the global summit: Ms. Sumaiya Khan from St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa; Ms. Andrea Cardoso from Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim; and Ms. Raisa Mariette Pinto from V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Panaji.

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation, briefed the Chief Minister on the organisation’s broader initiatives in Goa and its commitment to empowering young Goans under the Yuva Shakti movement, aligned with the national vision of nurturing globally aware, socially responsible youth leaders. The Chief Minister presented certificates of recognition to the three students and extended his best wishes as they prepare to represent Goa on the global stage. The event was also attended by PACT Foundation members Ms. Amelia Ferrao, Co-Founder, and Mr. Darryl Fernandes, Project Executive, marking an inspiring moment for youth empowerment in 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.

Human Interest

Frazella De Araujo Appointed Advisor to Goa Forest Department

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa government has appointed Frazella De Araujo as the Advisor to the Forest Department. The announcement was made by State Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, who said Araujo’s appointment will further strengthen the department’s work in policy formulation and strategic planning.

This new role adds to her existing responsibilities as Advisor to the Health Department and the Women & Child Development Department, both of which are also under Minister Rane’s purview.

Acknowledging her contributions, Rane highlighted Araujo’s pivotal role in conceptualising the state’s Health Outreach Program and in driving the historic IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) initiative at Goa Medical College and Hospital. These projects, he said, reflect her innovative and people-centric approach to governance.

Rane expressed confidence that Araujo’s experience and commitment will greatly benefit the Forest Department in enhancing its initiatives and ensuring more effective policy outcomes.

Frazella De Araujo’s appointment underscores the Goa government’s continued emphasis on multidisciplinary leadership and coordinated efforts across departments to deliver impactful governance.

rip

Goa’s Agriculture Minister and Former Chief Minister Ravi Naik Passes Away

allycaralgoa

Goa, Wednesday — The State of Goa is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and veteran leaders, Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik, who passed away on Wednesday. Naik, who was serving as the Minister for Agriculture, was also a two-time Chief Minister of Goa, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in state politics.

Born on September 18, 1946, in Ponda, Ravi Naik began his political journey in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks, earning respect across party lines. Known for his grounded leadership and approachable nature, Naik served as Chief Minister of Goa twice — first from 1991 to 1993 and later in 1994 — during critical phases of the State’s political evolution.

As the Agriculture Minister, Naik was a strong advocate for empowering farmers and strengthening Goa’s rural economy. He emphasized sustainable agricultural practices, innovation in farming, and improving irrigation systems to support the agrarian community.

Throughout his career, Ravi Naik represented the Ponda constituency, serving multiple terms as MLA, and remained one of Goa’s most recognizable and influential political figures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating:

“Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ravi Naik Ji, Minister in the Goa Government. He will be remembered as an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant who enriched Goa’s development trajectory. He was particularly passionate about empowering the downtrodden and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

As Goa comes together to mourn the loss, tributes continue to pour in from across the State and beyond for a leader who devoted his life to service, simplicity, and progress.