Children today are not just passive consumers of technology; they are curious creators equipped with skills to harness its full potential. As the nation celebrates Children’s Day on 14th November, it’s essential to recognise the growing connection between children and digital progress, two pillars on which the future firmly depends.
In Goa, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) is paving the way for a future where children are empowered to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Recognising that laptops can serve as powerful tools for accessing higher education and learning resources, DITE&C introduced the free Laptop Distribution Scheme for meritorious students for SC/ST communities. This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also ensures equitable access to technology.
Another key initiative driving digital empowerment in Goa is the IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs). These learning hubs set up across talukas provide hands-on training in coding, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
They say the future belongs to those who can imagine it and children today are learning to imagine through technology. Goa is home to over 700 startups and among them are young entrepreneurs who are building innovative solutions even at the college level.
A new Campus Innovation Scheme has been launched under the Startup Policy 2025 that encourages students to build innovative projects and promotes entrepreneurship culture in campuses. The scheme provides financial assistance of up to 50 thousand to help scale students’ innovative projects.
Apart from financial support, DITE&C is building a solid foundation by establishing sustainable infrastructure for the future. Promoting entrepreneurship and localised manufacturing, Goa’s first Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) has been set up in Tuem, with plug-and-play industrial facilities for electronics, drones, IoT and cleantech manufacturing.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to unlock future potential, the Goa AI Mission 2027 lays special emphasis on skilling under which DITE&C plans to introduce AI courses in educational institutions, establish the Goa AI Academy and host regular AI bootcamps, masterclasses and hackathons.
In a rapidly advancing world, technology holds immense potential to shape young minds, right from creating new learning opportunities to providing tools for development. By prioritising digital skills and nurturing young talent, DITE&C is ensuring that every child has a role to play in shaping a digitally empowered, innovation-driven Goa.
