Team Goemkarponn
Porvorim: In a major push towards digital inclusion and employability, the Goa government has announced the empanelment of new Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) under the ST/SC Empowerment through ICT Scheme. The initiative, launched at the PAC Hall, Secretariat, Porvorim, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) Minister Rohan A. Khaunte.
The new ITKCs will be set up in Bardez, Ponda, Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona, and will be operated by the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. In addition to the 33 existing courses, the centres will offer advanced programmes covering ethical hacking, 3D design, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, project management, cyber safety for women, and more.
Chief Minister Sawant said the expansion aims to provide free IT courses to SC/ST beneficiaries and create “clear pathways for self-employment and digital inclusion across Goa.”
Minister Khaunte underlined that the focus was not only on digital literacy but also on long-term career development. He announced that free laptops would be provided to deserving EWS and OBC students admitted to engineering colleges in Goa. He also highlighted plans to train women-led Self Help Groups as drone pilots under the national Drone Didi scheme, enabling micro-entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation.
Officials said these measures align with Goa’s citizen-first digital policy to strengthen inclusive growth, equal opportunities, and build a future-ready talent pool.
