The government of Uttar Pradesh has launched Project Government Assisted Network for Growth and Advancement (Ganga) to provide high-speed fibre-based broadband connectivity to millions of rural households across the state, with the dual aim of accelerating digital inclusion and creating self-employment opportunities for youth.
The project is being launched in 21 districts in its first phase, with a focus on ensuring last-mile digital connectivity in rural areas and expanding access to digital education, telemedicine, e-governance, skill development and technology-based employment.
Under the initiative, over 10,000 youths are to be developed as digital service providers (DSPs), generating an estimated 50,000 direct and more than 100,000 indirect employment opportunities. The project aims to connect over 2 million households with fibre-based high-speed internet services, with each DSP expected to serve between 200 and 300 households in their area. Additionally, women’s entrepreneurship has been given special priority under the scheme, with a target of around 50 per cent participation by women entrepreneurs.