Panaji: The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has launched the Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Yojana to equip rural women with essential digital skills for jobs, entrepreneurship, and access to public services.
The initiative was presented during an awareness and training programme in Panaji, attended by Minister for ITE&C and Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, DITE&C Director Kabir Shirgaonkar, Tourism Director Kedar Naik, GTDC Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar, Airbnb Public Policy Head (India) Asmita Joshi, and Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Senior Coordinator Tejas Raval.
Khaunte said the programme aligns with the Prime Minister’s four pillars of development — youth, women, farmers, and welfare of the poor — and aims to give women in villages the skills to “earn, innovate, and actively participate in the digital economy.” Training will be delivered through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Village Level Entrepreneurs.
Shirgaonkar said the course will help women use smartphones, access online platforms, and navigate government services. “Soon, women-led self-help groups will also be trained in advanced drone operations, expanding their livelihood options,” he added.
The scheme’s Mahila Cyber Saksharta Course is a 12-hour programme with two hours of theory and 10 hours of practical training, covering internet browsing, e-governance websites, mobile apps, online payments, social media use, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. Participants receive an e-certificate on completion.
The programme is open to Goan women aged 18 and above who have lived in the state for at least 15 years, with training conducted at local venues such as panchayat halls, schools, and community centres.
Officials said the scheme aims to give women the tools, knowledge, and confidence to engage in the digital economy, thereby strengthening communities and fostering inclusive growth across Goa’s villages.
