Tag: GoaGovt

EduConnect

232 Meritorious SC/ST Students in Goa Receive Laptops Under Government’s Free Laptop Scheme

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 25, 2025, the Government of Goa marked another milestone in its commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. Through the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), a total of 232 meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities were awarded laptops under the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for the academic years 2023–24 and 2024–25. This includes 121 students from 2023–24 and 111 from 2024–25.

Implemented via the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG), this initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide, support higher education, and help young Goans build critical digital skills. Since its inception in 2022, the scheme has already benefited over 450 students, furthering access to tools essential in today’s tech-driven world.

The official laptop distribution ceremony took place at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) in Panaji. The event was attended by top state dignitaries including Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of ITG Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Director of DITE&C Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Managing Director of ITG Shri Praveen Volvotkar, Joint Director of DITE&C Dr. Milind Sakhardande, and CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell Shri D.S. Prashant.

In his address, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte underscored the importance of equipping youth with digital tools to drive their academic and professional futures. He emphasized that technology now touches every aspect of life and that access to devices like laptops opens up new pathways in knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Referencing initiatives such as the IT Knowledge Centres and the Goa AI Mission 2027, he encouraged students to become the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers for the state and the nation.

Echoing these sentiments, Director of DITE&C Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar praised the determination and academic excellence of the beneficiaries. He stated that the distribution was not just about devices, but about investing in the aspirations and capabilities of Goa’s youth.

With a strong focus on digital equity, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications continues to lead forward-thinking initiatives that blend access, infrastructure, and innovation. By supporting students from SC/ST communities with tools for success, the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme reaffirms the Goa Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the digital future.

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.