In a bid to provide high-speed internet to every household in Goa, the state’s Information and Technology Minister, Rohan Khaunte, has unveiled the ambitious 'Har Ghar Fibre' initiative. The announcement was made during the state assembly's demands for grants on Tuesday. The initiative is set to bring reliable and high-speed internet connectivity to the homes of Goans, making digital services more accessible than ever before.
The rollout will begin with pilot projects in three North Goa districts: Porvorim, Sankhalim, and Bicholim. These areas will serve as the testing grounds, ensuring the initiative’s feasibility before expanding to other parts of the state.
To further bolster connectivity, four new Common Service Centres (CSCs) will be established in key locations across Goa: Darbandora in South Goa, Valpoi, Panjim, and Porvorim in North Goa. These centres will play a critical role in enhancing last-mile delivery of services, ensuring that people in both rural and urban areas can easily access digital services.
Under the existing Goa Broadband Network (GBBN), 414 locations, including 189 village panchayats and 225 government offices, have already been connected. This secure network extension reaches over 1,500 government and institutional offices, making it a significant step in strengthening Goa’s digital infrastructure.
The public can also benefit from the free Wi-Fi service available through 137 hotspots spread across all 40 constituencies. These hotspots are strategically placed based on recommendations from local MLAs, ensuring the most effective reach and usage.
Goa's digital services are further supported by the Goa Online portal, which offers 247 end-to-end services from 41 departments. Since its launch, the portal has facilitated over 31 lakh transactions and served more than 8 lakh people, ensuring that citizens have easy access to essential services. These services are also available through the newly-established CSC network, further ensuring accessibility at the grassroots level.
In terms of supporting the state's startup ecosystem, Khaunte shared that Goa has 759 registered startups under the Goa Startup Policy and DPIIT. The government has allocated Rs 4.10 crore in funding through various schemes to support these startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
Through the 'Har Ghar Fibre' initiative, Goa is taking a decisive step toward digital empowerment, ensuring that high-speed internet access is available to all households, regardless of location. This initiative will not only improve connectivity but also enhance the overall quality of life for Goa's citizens.