As part of the “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan,” the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide for tribal communities through education and connectivity
Sanguem, July 4, 2025: Reinforcing Goa’s commitment to inclusive governance and digital empowerment, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), led by Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, distributed 22 laptops to meritorious students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities during the Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp in Sanguem. The event was part of India’s largest tribal empowerment initiative, the “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan,” spearheaded nationally by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the camp united multiple state departments to deliver welfare schemes, health services, and digital support directly to tribal citizens. The inauguration was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, and other dignitaries, including Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, and Shri Ganesh Gaonkar.
Highlighting Goa’s strides in digital inclusion, the Department of ITE&C showcased key initiatives such as free laptops for meritorious ST/SC students, ICT training for youth and homemakers through the ITKC Program, and the Goa Online and Gramin Mitra platforms providing over 200 essential e-services statewide. Updates were also shared on the Har Ghar Fibre and BharatNet 3.0 projects, which are expanding 4G and broadband infrastructure in rural Goa, enhancing access to education, employment, and government services.
At the camp, the department engaged directly with community members at its stall, educating them on digital schemes and the long-term benefits of digital literacy.
Beyond digital efforts, the camp featured an integrated service delivery model offering free health screenings and welfare support, including routine check-ups, breast and TB screenings, dental assessments, and PMJAY health card registrations, ensuring that connectivity and care went hand in hand.
This initiative is part of the national celebration of 150 years of Janjatiya Gaurav, honoring the heritage, resilience, and contributions of India’s tribal communities. The success of the camp reaffirmed Goa’s dedication to tribal welfare, inclusive growth, and digitally enabled governance — paving the way for a more connected and empowered future for its tribal citizens.