Empowering women has long been recognised as a key step towards building stronger families and communities. In today’s digital era, digital literacy has become just as important as traditional education. Although younger generations often gain digital skills more easily through schooling and social exposure, many women still face barriers to digital access and training, making targeted initiatives essential for inclusive growth.
With this vision in mind, the Government of Goa launched the training under Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY) on February 17, 2026, under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C). Implemented through the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd (ITG), the initiative aims to provide women with essential digital literacy and basic computer training, enabling them to confidently access digital services, use technology safely and enhance opportunities for education, employment and personal development.
The scheme reflects the shared vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, on women’s empowerment and the key role of Nari Shakti in nation building.
Speaking about this initiative, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri. Rohan Khaunte stated, “This is not just a scheme, but a movement to bridge the digital divide. It’s about ensuring that every woman, whether from an urban centre or a rural village has the skills, confidence and access to participate in Goa’s digital economy. We’re teaching women how to run a business online, how to access government services, how to learn new skills, how to compete in today’s market and most importantly, how to believe in themselves.”
The scheme is open to Goan women aged 18 years and above who have been residing in the state for at least 15 years. This training is made accessible at IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and panchayat halls/local centres. The initiative aims to benefit nearly 3,000 women annually.
Sharing about one session, Sarpanch of Socorro Panchayat, Sonia Sanjay Pednekar said, “Today, the government has launched a wonderful initiative for women. Our IT Minister has taken an important step towards women’s empowerment, something Rohan Sir has consistently championed over the years. Through Self-Help Groups as well, he has supported and uplifted many women. This newly launched scheme is extremely beneficial and if women actively participate and learn from it, it can help them move forward and grow in life. I sincerely thank the Minister for introducing this initiative and encouraging every woman to make the most of this opportunity.”
Vaishnavi Malik, a resident of Socorro, Porvorim shared her experience, “This programme, organised for us by Minister Rohan Khaunte under the Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Yojana, was very well conducted. Here, we learned about the kinds of crimes that take place online and how people can be targeted through phones. They also taught us how to monitor what our children are viewing on their phones. Such programmes should continue to be organised for women so that everyone can better understand how to use tools like smartphones correctly.”
The training covers a wide range of practical topics, including understanding mobile devices, navigating social media responsibly, mastering online payments and digital banking, exploring digital marketplaces, securing personal digital spaces and improving digital communication skills. So far, training sessions have been conducted in Porvorim and Bicholim, with nearly 115 women already completing the programme. Upcoming training sessions under the scheme are scheduled to be held in Banastarim, Sanquelim, Chodan and Pernem.
As Goa steadily embraces digital transformation, initiatives such as Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY) are ensuring that women are not merely participants in this journey, but active contributors. By equipping women with digital tools and knowledge, the scheme is laying the foundation for a more informed, secure and digitally empowered Goa.
