Project GANGA: High-Speed Internet for 20 Lakh Rural Households in Uttar Pradesh

Key facts

• The Uttar Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Transformation Commission (STC) and One OTT Entertainment Limited (OIL), a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group, to implement Project GANGA.
• The initiative aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to over 20 lakh households in rural and semi-urban areas over the next two to three years.
• The project is expected to generate more than 1 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities across the state.
• Under the project, 8,000 to 10,000 local entrepreneurs at the Nyaya Panchayat level will be developed as Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
• The government has set a target of 50% participation of women among the digital entrepreneurs to promote women-led entrepreneurship in rural areas.
• The project will focus on providing connectivity to remote and border districts, specifically naming Shravasti, Bahraich, and Balrampur.
• Selected DSPs will receive training, financial assistance, network infrastructure support, and access to modern technology to build digital service networks.
• The initiative complements a scheme launched in January 2024 that provides youth with interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for entrepreneurship.