Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: In a remarkable display of community participation, over 200 women gathered at the Vetaal Temple Hall, Socorro, for the launch of the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana. Organised by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, in collaboration with Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited, the programme marked a significant step towards digital literacy and grassroots empowerment.
The programme was attended by Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery; Praveen Volvotkar, MD, ITG; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Sandeep Salgaonkar, Zilla Panchayat Member of Penha de Franca; Amit Asnodkar, Zilla Panchayat Member of Socorro; Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch of Penha de Franca Panchayat; Sonia Pednekar, Sarpanch of Socorro Panchayat; and Vijayanand Powar, PI, Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa.
Addressing the gathering, Rohan Khaunte lauded the efforts of DITE&C in taking digital empowerment to the grassroots level. He stated, “Schemes like the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana ensure that every woman, whether from an urban centre or a rural village, has the skills, confidence and access to participate in Goa’s digital economy. Through this scheme, we’re enabling women to run businesses online, access government services, acquire new skills, compete in today’s market and most importantly, believe in their own potential.”
Under the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana, participants receive hands-on training in using digital devices, navigating online platforms and accessing e-governance services. Training is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), making it accessible through panchayat halls and community centres.
The programme commenced with a comprehensive presentation on the scheme by Pankaj Chavan, Assistant Manager, Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited, outlining its structure, eligibility and benefits, followed by an informative cyber security session conducted by Vijayanand Powar, PI, Cyber Crime Police Station.
The programme concluded with a significant number of women registering themselves, reflecting strong community engagement and interest in the scheme. Through initiatives that directly benefit citizens, particularly women in rural areas, DITE&C continues to advance its mission of bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology across the state.
