Tag: SkillDevelopment

Business

Goa Sashakti EntrepreNaari Initiative Empowers 60 Women Entrepreneurs Across the State

allycaralgoa

Panaji, October 2025: A significant step toward strengthening women-led businesses in Goa has begun as the SBI Foundation, in partnership with SEED (Society for Education, Environment and Development), officially launched a new phase of the Goa Sashakti EntrepreNaari initiative. The programme has now commenced training for 60 women entrepreneurs selected from North and South Goa.

The goal is clear — to build a supportive, growth-driven ecosystem that empowers women food entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to scale their ventures.

Building Expertise with Aspire For Her

This cohort benefits from subject expertise provided by Aspire For Her, a social enterprise dedicated to adding one million women to India’s workforce. Their involvement strengthens the initiative’s focus on digital visibility, branding, and strategic business scaling.

Together, SBI Foundation, SEED and Aspire For Her aim to equip women entrepreneurs with the right knowledge pathways, market connections, and mentoring networks that will help them transition from local businesses to scalable enterprises.

Who Are the ‘EntrepreNaaris’?

The 60 selected participants include home chefs, food processors, catering service providers and small food-business owners — many of whom have already built strong reputations within their communities.
However, the initiative will now help them elevate their operations through:

  • Enhanced branding
  • Strengthened digital outreach
  • Access to new markets
  • Expert mentoring
  • Networking with fellow entrepreneurs

Training Designed for Real-World Impact

In the next phase of the programme, participants will undergo:

  • Expert-led online workshops
  • One-on-one virtual mentoring sessions
  • Interactive knowledge-sharing circles
  • Networking with mentors and peers across India

These sessions aim to address common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs — from scaling operations and improving online presence to identifying market gaps and enhancing product visibility.

Leadership Voices

Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the initiative:

“This initiative is not just about enterprise development — it’s about unlocking potential, fostering self-belief, and enabling long-term resilience among women who are often the silent drivers of local economies.”

Romira Roy, Co-founder of SEED, added:

“The launch of this cohort is another step in creating pathways for women to scale their potential, access resources and strengthen their presence in the market.”

Growing Community of Women Entrepreneurs

Since its launch earlier this year, the EntrepreNaari initiative has received over 200 applications, from which 122 women entrepreneurs were shortlisted. This newly launched cohort now marks the start of a focused, structured training journey that will conclude with:

  • A final pitch fest, and
  • A graduation ceremony in January 2026

The initiative is shaping a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs ready to lead, innovate and transform Goa’s food business landscape.

Business

ICSI Takes a Leap Forward in Professional Development and Corporate Governance

allycaralgoa

Goa, November 2025: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing professional education and promoting sound corporate governance. Through new programs, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives, the institute continues to empower professionals and students to meet the evolving demands of the corporate world with skill, integrity, and confidence.

ICSI has introduced a comprehensive Capacity Building Series consisting of specialized webinars designed to enhance practical knowledge and industry understanding among members and students. These sessions aim to equip company secretaries with the expertise required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while strengthening their professional capabilities.

In line with its commitment to innovation, ICSI has launched a two-year full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University. This pioneering program combines the principles of maritime law, business, and compliance, preparing professionals to take on leadership roles in the global maritime sector. The institute has also introduced a Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) in partnership with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), offering specialized insights into governance, securities regulations, and market compliance practices.

Further expanding its global outlook, ICSI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) to design customized training programs for members and facilitate international exposure. These collaborations reflect the institute’s focus on creating opportunities that align with global standards of governance and professional growth.

The institute continues to prioritize student welfare through initiatives such as online doubt-clearing sessions for Executive and Professional Programme students and the organization of Olympiads aimed at spreading awareness about the Company Secretary profession among school students. These initiatives encourage young learners to explore future career opportunities in the fields of governance, compliance, and corporate law.

ICSI’s commitment to fostering a global community of governance professionals is evident through its major events held throughout the year. The 53rd National Convention of Company Secretaries served as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional dialogue, while the 4th International Conference in Sydney and the Middle East Conference in Abu Dhabi facilitated international collaboration and discussions on emerging governance trends and best practices.

To strengthen ethical practices and promote sustainable governance, ICSI has launched several frameworks and standards, including the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS), which emphasize responsible investing and ethical stewardship, and the Governance and Compliance Standard on PoSH, which standardizes Internal Committee procedures and promotes safe workplaces. The ICSI International ADR Centre, a multi-city initiative, aims to reduce the burden on courts by providing a structured system for alternate dispute resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.

Demonstrating its dedication to national service, ICSI has contributed ₹52 lakhs to the Ministry of Defence to support the education and empowerment of the daughters of martyrs. This act of social responsibility underscores the institute’s broader vision of nation-building and inclusive development.

With a growing global presence, ICSI now operates six overseas centres in Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the USA, providing its members with access to international markets, networks, and learning opportunities.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India continues to play a transformative role in shaping the future of the Company Secretary profession. Its continuous efforts to build a knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competent community of professionals reflect its core mission — to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. Through its vision and initiatives, ICSI remains a cornerstone of professional excellence and a guiding force for the corporate governance landscape in India and beyond.

TechPulse

Children’s Day Special: How DITE&C is Empowering Goa’s Young Innovators through Digital Inclusion

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As India celebrates Children’s Day, it’s a moment to recognise the immense potential of the young generation — especially in a digital era that thrives on creativity, innovation, and access to technology. In Goa, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) is leading this transformation, equipping children and youth with the tools and skills they need to become tomorrow’s changemakers.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Free Laptop Distribution Scheme

Recognising the importance of digital access in modern education, DITE&C launched a Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for meritorious students belonging to SC/ST communities. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also ensures equal opportunity for all, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in higher education.

Learning by Doing: IT Knowledge Centres Across Goa

DITE&C’s IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) across various talukas provide hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies like coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics. These centres nurture problem-solving skills and digital literacy among students, building a foundation for future-ready talent.

From Campuses to Startups: Building Young Entrepreneurs

With over 700 startups calling Goa home, innovation is already thriving among the youth. Under the Startup Policy 2025, the Campus Innovation Scheme encourages students to turn their ideas into reality by providing financial support of up to ₹50,000 for innovative projects. The goal: to build a culture of entrepreneurship and invention right from college.

Empowering Local Industry: The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC)

To support Goa’s growing ecosystem of innovation, DITE&C has established the state’s first Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Tuem. The facility promotes localised manufacturing in electronics, drones, IoT, and cleantech, while also providing opportunities for young engineers and innovators.

Future-Ready Skills: Goa AI Mission 2027

The Goa AI Mission 2027 is shaping the state’s digital future by integrating Artificial Intelligence education into schools and colleges. Plans include the establishment of the Goa AI Academy, regular AI bootcamps, and mentorship programs designed to inspire and upskill the next generation of creators and thinkers.

Empowering Every Child, Shaping Every Future

Technology is not just a tool — it’s a gateway to imagination, learning, and empowerment. By prioritising access, innovation, and skill development, DITE&C is ensuring that every Goan child can dream big, build boldly, and contribute meaningfully to a digitally empowered Goa.

This Children’s Day, DITE&C celebrates the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and courage that defines Goa’s next generation. 🌟

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.