Goa signs an MoU with Google India to promote digital literacy

Extending the Prime Minister's Digital India vision, the Government of Goa on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google India to promote digital literacy and drive digital transformation across the State.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar ​and Vice President, Google South East Asia and India ​Rajan Anandan, ​ signed the MoU.

As a first step to realize this vision, the Goa State Government will launch 'Internet Safety Education’ ​for students in Goa in association with Google India. The State government has given a nod to include internet safety education as part of the school curriculum of classes IX and XII in government schools across the State.

Google has created a curriculum in consultation with experts, developed and shared modules for integration in curriculum. As part of the program, Google India has initiated teacher trainings and will soon expand to cover 460 schools, teaching over 80,000 students on how to stay safe online, said Mr. Rajan Anandan.

Chief Minister Parsekar said that this step will be a turning point in the field of IT in Goa and will be known as one of the milestones.

“Internet today is an essential part of the learning experience for students and it’s important that they understand on how to use the medium responsibly and stay safe online,” said Mr. Parsekar.

He further said that the scope of this association would be expanded to launch digital literacy drive amongst women in Goa and also introduce programs to help small and medium businesses and a mobile app development skilling program for Start ups to take advantage of the growing digital economy.

Mr. Anandan said that they are committed to invest in India’s digital transformation and bring the Internet alive for everyone.

“We are delighted to support the Government of Goa in its vision to be a digitally empowered State. We look forward to working with the state government to create an enabling environment and ecosystem to help students, small and medium businesses and entrepreneurs to realize the full potential of the Internet and the opportunities it offers,” said Mr. Anandan.