Project Ganga’ Aims to Bridge Digital Divide Across Villages in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious digital connectivity initiative called “Project Ganga”, aimed at bringing high-speed broadband internet to more than 20 lakh households in rural and semi-urban areas over the next two to three years.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission (STC) and One OTT Entertainment Limited, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Lucknow to begin the rollout of the project. Officials say the project is designed to expand digital infrastructure in villages while creating employment opportunities. Under the programme, around 8,000 to 10,000 local entrepreneurs will be trained and developed as Digital Service Providers (DSPs) at the Nyaya Panchayat level. These entrepreneurs will deliver broadband connectivity and digital services directly to households within their communities.
The government has also set a goal of around 50% participation by women among these digital entrepreneurs, in an effort to promote women-led businesses and expand economic participation in rural areas. Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, who was present during the signing of the agreement, said the project represents a major step toward strengthening digital infrastructure in the state. He noted that improved internet connectivity in rural areas could open opportunities in online education, e-commerce, telemedicine and digital governance services.
Beyond connectivity, the programme is expected to generate over one lakh direct and indirect jobs, particularly for local youth and small entrepreneurs involved in installing, maintaining and operating digital service networks. The initiative is also part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural regions. Many villages still face limited access to reliable broadband services, which restricts their participation in the digital economy and access to online public services.
Experts say expanding internet access in rural regions can have wide-ranging economic and social benefits. High-speed connectivity can enable farmers to access real-time market information, students to participate in online learning platforms, and rural entrepreneurs to run digital businesses. The project also aligns with India’s broader national push toward digital infrastructure development, which includes initiatives to expand broadband connectivity to rural communities through public-private partnerships.
If implemented successfully, Project Ganga could significantly improve digital access across Uttar Pradesh’s villages, helping integrate rural communities into the state’s growing digital economy. By combining infrastructure development with local entrepreneurship, the programme aims to create a sustainable model for expanding connectivity while generating employment at the grassroots level.
