Two hundred and thirty-two meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities across Goa, received laptops under the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, for the Academic Years 2023-24 and 2024-25. This includes 121 beneficiaries from the academic year 2023-24 and 111 beneficiaries from the academic year 2024-25.
The initiative of DITE&C, implemented through the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG), aims to recognise academic excellence while ensuring equal opportunities in digital learning for students from SC/ST communities. By providing access to laptops, the scheme supports students in pursuing higher education, developing digital skills, and preparing for future careers.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, the distribution ceremony was held at ESG, Panaji, in the presence of Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Rohan A. Khaunte; Bicholim MLA and Chairman of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. Dr. Chandrakant Shetye; along with Director of DITE&C Kabir Shirgaonkar, Managing Director of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. Praveen Volvotkar, Joint Director of DITE&C Dr. Milind Sakhardande and CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell of DITE&C D.S. Prashant.
Addressing the students, Khaunte highlighted the role of technology in shaping the future, “Youth of today have the power to create an impact through these technologies, not just for Goa, but for our entire nation. Technology is now part of every field, and by equipping you with these tools, we are opening doors to knowledge, creativity, and opportunities. Through initiatives like IT Knowledge Centres and the Goa AI Mission 2027, we are preparing our youth to be innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders of tomorrow. I encourage you to use these opportunities to learn continuously and to build not only your future but also the future of our state.”
Since its inception in 2022, the scheme has benefited over 450 students, providing them with access to digital tools and resources that enhance their learning experience.
Director, Shirgaonkar stated: “Today, we are not just distributing laptops, we are celebrating the determination, talent and aspirations of our young students. We are here to support their academic journey by providing them the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”
The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications continues to drive inclusive digital empowerment by combining access, infrastructure, and innovation to help every citizen thrive in a technology-led future.
