Department of ITE&C Distributes Laptops to Tribal Students at Sanguem Empowerment Camp

Supporting the Government of Goa’s inclusive governance drive, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte spearheaded digital inclusion efforts at the Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp held in Sanguem, as part of the nationwide “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan” — India’s largest tribal empowerment campaign led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. 

As part of the initiative, 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, empowering them with tools for education and digital learning.

Organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the camp brought together multiple state departments to deliver welfare schemes, health services, and digital support directly to tribal citizens.

The camp was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The dignitaries marked the occasion by lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the beginning of the event. The gathering was also graced by several other dignitaries, including Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Ho'ble Minister for Social Welfare; Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly; and Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA of Sanvordem Constituency and Chairman of GTDC, among others.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) highlighted how technology is being used to promote inclusive development across tribal regions of Goa. The department showcased its digital initiatives aimed at expanding access, including free laptops for meritorious ST/SC students, ICT training for youth and homemakers under the ITKC Program, and the Goa Online and Gramin Mitra platforms that collectively provide over 200 essential e-services across the state. Officials also shared updates on the Har Ghar Fibre and BharatNet 3.0 efforts, which are expanding 4G and broadband infrastructure in rural areas, enabling better access to education, employment, and public services.

In addition, the department set up a stall at the camp, where officials engaged in one-on-one interactions with community members, explaining various digital schemes, government e-services, and the long-term benefits of digital literacy.

Beyond digital empowerment, the camp provided free health screenings and on-site welfare support, including, Free routine screenings, breast and TB check-ups, dental assessments, and PMJAY health card registrations were conducted on-site, creating an integrated service delivery model that prioritizes both connectivity and care.

This initiative forms part of the national observance of 150 years of Janjatiya Gaurav, honouring the heritage, resilience, and contributions of India’s tribal communities.

The success of the event reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to tribal welfare, inclusive growth, and digitally enabled governance, paving the way for a more connected and empowered future.