Project GANGA is a new digital connectivity initiative in Uttar Pradesh aimed at providing high-speed broadband to more than 20 lakh households over the next two to three years. The project seeks to strengthen rural and semi-urban internet access, create employment, and promote women-led digital entrepreneurship. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the State Transformation Commission and One OTT Entertainment Limited, a Hinduja Group subsidiary, to implement the initiative.
Key Features of Project GANGA
- The project will extend broadband and digital services across villages and small towns.
- It targets the creation of more than 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
- It will develop 8,000 to 10,000 local entrepreneurs as Digital Service Providers at the Nyaya Panchayat level.
- These providers will deliver internet-based services in rural areas.
Women and Youth Participation
- About 50% of the digital entrepreneurs are expected to be women.
- The initiative aims to promote women-led entrepreneurship in rural Uttar Pradesh.
- Selected DSPs will receive training, financial support, network infrastructure, and technology access.
- The project is designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth.
Development Impact
- Officials said improved broadband access will support online business, education, healthcare and digital services.
- The project is expected to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
- It may also boost telemedicine, e-commerce, digital skilling and content creation.
- Remote and border districts such as Shravasti, Bahraich and Balrampur are likely to benefit .
State’s Wider Digital Push
- The initiative aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader effort to expand digital infrastructure.
- The state has also been supporting youth through interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh.
- Officials described digital infrastructure as increasingly important for development, similar to physical expressways.
- The project is positioned as a model for connectivity-led growth in rural India.