UP Govt to Launch ‘Project Ganga’ for Rural Broadband Expansion, MoU with Hinduja Group Firm

Lucknow: The State Transformation Commission of the Government of Uttar Pradesh is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ONEOTT Intertainment Limited, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group, to roll out a major digital connectivity initiative called “Project Ganga.”

The agreement will focus on expanding high-speed broadband connectivity across rural and semi-urban regions of Uttar Pradesh, improving digital access and creating new employment opportunities.

Minister Suresh Khanna to Attend the Event

The MoU signing ceremony will be attended by Suresh Khanna, the state’s Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, who will participate as the chief guest.

Senior officials and stakeholders expected at the event include:

• Manoj Kumar Singh – CEO of the State Transformation Commission

• Representatives from the Hinduja Group

• Senior project officials involved in implementing Project Ganga

Participants will discuss the implementation framework and long-term impact of the digital connectivity initiative.

Broadband Access to Reach Over 20 Lakh Households

Under Project Ganga, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to extend high-speed broadband connectivity to more than 20 lakh households across the state within the next two to three years.

The project aims to strengthen digital infrastructure in areas where reliable internet access is still limited. Improved connectivity is expected to support:

• Online education

• Digital government services

• Rural entrepreneurship

• Employment opportunities

• Access to digital platforms and information

Local Entrepreneurs to Become Digital Service Providers

A key feature of the initiative is the creation of a network of Digital Service Providers (DSPs) at the grassroots level.

The government plans to enable 8,000 to 10,000 local entrepreneurs at the Nyaya Panchayat level to operate as independent internet service providers in their communities.

These entrepreneurs will deliver high-speed broadband services directly within villages, improving access to reliable internet and promoting local business opportunities.

Focus on Women Entrepreneurship

The project also places strong emphasis on women’s participation in the digital economy.

Officials said the initiative aims for around 50% representation of women among Digital Service Providers, encouraging rural women to enter the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

This approach is expected to:

• Promote women-led enterprises in rural areas

• Improve financial independence for women

• Increase women’s participation in the digital workforce

Training and Infrastructure Support for Entrepreneurs

Selected Digital Service Providers under the project will receive structured support from the government and project partners, including:

• Professional training programs

• Financial assistance

• Development of network infrastructure

• Access to modern digital technologies

This support system is designed to help entrepreneurs build sustainable digital service networks in their local regions.

Boost to Rural Digital Economy

The initiative is expected to strengthen internet accessibility in rural and semi-urban Uttar Pradesh, accelerating digital transformation and improving access to services.

By connecting millions of households and empowering local entrepreneurs, Project Ganga could play a major role in expanding the digital economy and employment opportunities across the state.