Tag: Gramin Mitra

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

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.

TechPulse

GoaOnline Crosses 9.34 Lakh Digital Service Deliveries, Reinforcing Citizen-First Governance

allycaralgoa

Panaji, June 2025: Goa’s commitment to accessible, transparent, and efficient governance has found a powerful expression in GoaOnline, the state’s unified digital services platform. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) is driving Goa’s digital transformation through GoaOnline, a unified platform that brings government services to citizens’ fingertips

As of June 2025, GoaOnline has processed over 9.34 lakh service requests across more than 30 departments, marking a clear shift to digital-first governance. With 200+ services digitized, citizens can now apply for certificates, licenses, and permits online, significantly reducing the need for physical visits.

Among the top-performing departments includes:

  • Revenue Department: 4.45 lakh applications completed, primarily for income and caste certificates.
  • Labour & Employment: 3.16 lakh successfully processed applications for labour registrations, licenses, and welfare services
  • GIDC: 75,800 digital services delivered, including land allotment, NOCs, and business permissions
  • Health Services: Over 36,300 online completions for birth/death certificates and medical NOCs

These figures represent completed service transactions, highlighting both the scale of adoption and the successful delivery of services across departments.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, has consistently emphasized the importance of technology as an enabler of transparency, speed, and citizen empowerment. Under his leadership, DITE&C has not only scaled digital service delivery but has also pushed for local innovation, interoperability, and integration of backend processes across departments.

“GoaOnline is not just a portal—it’s a promise of efficient governance, where technology bridges the gap between citizens and the state,” said the Minister during a recent interaction.

To ensure last-mile access, Gramin Mitra extends GoaOnline to rural households, delivering services like certificates and subsidies directly to citizens’ doorsteps.

The data speaks volumes: With 9.34 lakh applications processed out of 9.54 lakh applications received and a strong focus on transparency and compliance, Goa is emerging as a national model for digital governance

The Department of ITE&C continues to innovate, with upcoming plans to expand service categories, launch mobile accessibility features, and integrate emerging technologies like AI-based service recommendations and chatbot support.

Goa is not just catching up—it’s leading India’s digital governance movement. With GoaOnline, the state has shown that even the smallest state can set the biggest benchmarks.