Uttar Pradesh government today launched ‘Project Ganga’ which will ensure last-mile digital connectivity in rural areas while expanding opportunities in digital education, telemedicine, e-governance, skill development, and technology-based employment.
Under Project Ganga, a comprehensive network of Digital Service Providers (DSPs) will be developed across the state. Through this initiative, the government aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to approximately 20 lakh families, prepare 8 to 10 thousand Digital Service Providers, and generate more than one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. The project is being launched in 21 districts during its first phase in which Hinduja Group’s broadband arm OneOTT Intertainment Limited will contribute as ‘Knowledge Partner’ and ‘Implementation Enabler.
Launching the project in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Project Ganga is an important initiative towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Digital India.
He stated that the state has set a target of preparing 8 thousand digital entrepreneurs to promote digital empowerment. The project will connect young people to the digital economy and create new opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Congratulating the Hinduja Group for this initiative, the Chief Minister said that under the CM Yuva scheme, the state government is providing interest-free loans of up to rupees 5 lakh to youth. Young people selected under Project Ganga will also be able to avail themselves of this facility and establish their own enterprises as Digital Service Providers.
Representing the Hinduja Group, Group President Corporate Affairs Sunil Kumar Chaddha said that Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country to adopt such an innovative model. The Hinduja Group is supporting this project on a ‘No Profit, No Loss’ basis.
He further said, in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extensive participation of women will be ensured in the project, and approximately 50 percent of the beneficiaries will be women.
