The Department of Information Technology and Communication (DoIT&C) has taken a remarkable step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering women across the state of Rajasthan. As part of the ambitious Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana, the department has issued a directive to all districts, announcing the commencement of camps from August 10 for the first phase of distribution. The scheme aims to provide smartphones and data SIM cards to 40 lakh women beneficiaries, signaling a significant stride towards women’s empowerment and digital inclusion.
Named after the iconic leader, Indira Gandhi, the scheme will be a game-changer for women head of 40 lakh Chiranjeevi families. Through the utilization of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the beneficiaries will receive the benefits of the scheme. The distribution of SIM cards, smartphones, and data connectivity will be carried out in collaboration with TRAI-authorized telecom service providers (TSPs) like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL.
The first phase of beneficiaries will encompass a diverse group of women, including female students in Class 9 to 12 from government schools, students pursuing higher education in colleges/ITIs/polytechnics, widow/single woman pensioners, and women heading families who have completed 100 days of work under MGNREGA (2022-2023) or 50 days of work under the Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme.
To ensure seamless coverage, the DoIT&C will provide a comprehensive list of eligible beneficiaries. In the event that any eligible candidate’s name is inadvertently omitted from the list, they can register on the Rajasthan Sampark portal by simply dialing 181.
Apart from facilitating communication, the smartphones will play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about various welfare schemes initiated by the state government for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized. It will also provide information on safety and security measures for female students, employment opportunities, and specific schemes tailored for students and widows.
This transformative initiative under the Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana holds the potential to empower women economically, socially, and digitally. By granting them access to technology and valuable information, the Rajasthan government aims to foster an inclusive and progressive society where every woman can realize her potential and participate in the state’s growth journey. The camps beginning on August 10 mark a significant step towards realizing this vision of a more empowered and connected Rajasthan.