Come November, Goa's youth will be able to avail of free talk-time and data via the BJP-led government's grand Digital Goa plan. According to the scheme, the Chief Minister, Laxmikant Parsekar has promised to give all youth between the ages of 18-35 one hundred minutes of free talk-time and a minimum of 1 gigabyte of data under a 3G or 4G connection ahead of the 2017 assembly elections.
According to Parsekar, while the government has rolled out several schemes and subsidies for senior citizens, farmers and artistes, the youth were left out. Until now.
The Chief Minister has also promised to provide Wi-Fi service in all colleges within a month in response to a request made by the party's youth wing. Currently, there is exclusive wi-fi network and free wi-fi connection across the campus and for all students available in just two colleges in the state “ the Parvatibai Chowgule College Of Arts & Science in Gogol in Margao which inaugurated its wi-fi network in 2007 and the BITS-Pilani campus in Zuarinagar, Goa to promote e-learning as well as online courses.
Goa University also has an excellent campus-wide wi-fi apart from high-bandwidth computer networking (LAN) to help make it a 24x7 learning environment.
The other 30-odd colleges in Goa are pretty much in the dark, connectivity wise. As a result,
the government hopes to float tenders soon inviting bids for providing connections. But how much will this benefit/help the youth?
QUOTES
It was about time we were provided with wi-fi in our college as it will make it so much easier for us to complete our assignments and projects on time rather than slogging it out on our slow mobile data connections. Also the free minutes and 3G connection will go a long way since we talk a lot and it gets expensive for our parents to constantly recharge our cellphones. A step towards a bright future I'd say.
Brinelle Fernandes, 19, Margao
Parsekar's announcement comes as good news for students. Ten out of ten this is the best initiative for students so far.
Abhinav Wadekar, 21, Vasco
They need to ensure that these facilities are accessible. But it needs to be implemented properly. Wifi facilities and stuff are definitely a good idea if they want people to avail of benefits.
Michelle Pinto, 20, Margao, Chowgule College, Margao
I have had free wi-fi connection all through out my college years in Chowgule College as well as now in the University. Unlimited internet access around the campus is a real blessing as we can access information and prepare for classes and work on our assignments with ease even from the cafeteria or the hostel or anywhere in the campus. The speeds too are pretty good.
Hilton Fernandes, Goa University
