Reinforcing the Government of Goa’s commitment to inclusive and tech-enabled governance, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, took a significant step toward digital equity at the Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp held in Sanguem. The event was part of the national “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan”, India’s largest tribal empowerment campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
As a core initiative at the camp, the Department of ITE&C distributed 22 laptops to meritorious students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities for the academic year 2023–24, equipping them with essential digital tools to support education and self-development.
A Multi-Departmental Empowerment Platform
Organized by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the camp served as a unified service delivery platform, bringing together multiple state departments to offer healthcare, digital services, welfare scheme benefits, and awareness programmes directly to the tribal population.
The event was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram and Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who lit the ceremonial lamp. The occasion was also attended by several senior dignitaries, including:
- Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare
- Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly
- Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA, Sanvordem and Chairman, GTDC
Driving Digital Inclusion Across Goa
In line with the Government’s digital-first approach, the Department of ITE&C presented a comprehensive showcase of its ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in Goa’s rural and tribal belts. Key highlights included:
- Free laptops for ST/SC students under the merit-based digital empowerment scheme
- ICT training programs for tribal youth and homemakers under the IT Knowledge Centre (ITKC) initiative
- Promotion of Goa Online and Gramin Mitra, which together deliver over 200 government e-services directly to citizens
- Progress updates on Har Ghar Fibre and BharatNet 3.0, aimed at extending 4G and broadband connectivity to underserved areas
The department also set up a dedicated digital literacy stall, where officials offered personalized guidance on accessing digital services, understanding available government schemes, and reaping long-term benefits through digital inclusion.
“Our vision is rooted in inclusive governance that empowers every Goan, especially the tribal communities, through access to digital tools and services,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C.
Integrating Healthcare with Connectivity
Beyond digital outreach, the camp also offered free medical screenings, including breast and TB checks, dental assessments, and enrollment in the PMJAY health card program. This integrated service delivery model reflected a holistic governance approach, prioritizing both physical well-being and digital access for underserved citizens.
Celebrating Tribal Legacy, Enabling Tribal Futures
The initiative was conducted in alignment with the 150th year of Janjatiya Gaurav, a national tribute to the history, resilience, and cultural legacy of India’s tribal communities. By linking heritage with future-forward tools, the Government of Goa continues to pave the way for inclusive, tech-enabled, and sustainable development.
The success of the Sanguem camp underscores Goa’s position as a progressive state committed to tribal welfare, digital empowerment, and grassroots transformation.
