PANJIM: Ahead of the 2017 State Assembly elections, BJP in bid to woo young voters on Friday announced a monthly package of 100 minute local talk time and 3GB internet data with a free SIM card to youth between age group of 16 to 30 years. The government has tied up with Vodafone for implementation of its ‘Digital Youth Initiative Scheme’ for next three years.
The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar granted its nod for the scheme, drafted in line with the Digital India initiative of the Centre. The scheme will benefit nearly 1.25 lakh youth.
To avoid misuse, the government has made a provision, wherein the scheme will be discontinued to a beneficiary if found to be involved in abusive, offensive and unlawful usage of the plan.
The State government in its Budget 2016-17 had proposed Digital Goa initiative. The scheme offers free local 100 minutes voice calls, free 3GB 3G or 4G data pack with 2Mbps download speed and a free SIM card (one time).
“The availability of data access would help the youth gather vital information to help overall development with a focus on education and skill development. The scheme would be specifically more useful to rural youth who today are out of the digital India paradigm due to non-availability of internet access,” Parsekar stated.
“Vodafone is the successful bidder. It quoted Rs 124.90 for the monthly package per person,” Parsekar said adding that the telecom company would put up over 500 retail outlets across the State for registration.
The other bidders included Idea that offered Rs 148 per month and Reliance JIO at Rs 207 monthly package. “The total additional budget would be around Rs one crore monthly,” the Chief Minister stated.
