To prepare Goa’s youth for tomorrow’s tech-driven job market, the Government of Goa has announced empanelment of new Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) under the ST/SC Empowerment through ICT Scheme.
The scheme was launched at PAC Hall Secretariat, Porvorim by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) Rohan A. Khaunte, in the presence of Chairman, Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd, Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Secretary of DITE&C, Sanjeev Ahuja, Director of DITE&C, Kabir Shirgaonkar, and Managing Director of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd, Praveen Volvotkar.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasised on the significance of the initiative, saying: “We aim to take ITKCs further by deepening our reach offering free IT courses to SC and ST beneficiaries, and creating clear pathways for self-employment and digital inclusion across Goa.”
The new ITKCs will come up in Bardez, Ponda, Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona, operated by Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG). The ITKCs, which already offer 33 courses, have now added advanced programs of foundational and advanced training, covering Computer literacy, Ethical hacking, 3D design, Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber safety for women, Robotics and Project management.
“Our focus is not just on digital literacy but also on enabling long-term career paths through structured skilling. These ITKCs represent our dedication to youth empowerment, particularly among SC/ST communities,” expressed Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for ITE&C.
Khaunte further stated that the scheme plans to provide free laptops to deserving candidates from EWS and OBC backgrounds who secure admission in engineering colleges in Goa. Goa will be the first to focus on drone pilot opportunities in line with the national ‘Drone Didi’ scheme, which will train and equip women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) with advanced drones and skills, promoting micro-entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation.
These initiatives are central to Goa’s citizen-first digital policy, designed to strengthen inclusive growth, equal opportunities, and a future-ready talent pool.
