Lucknow | 9 March 2026

The government of Uttar Pradesh has launched an ambitious initiative called ‘Project Ganga’ to expand digital connectivity across rural areas. The project is part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of building a “Digital Uttar Pradesh.” Under this plan, high-speed broadband services will reach nearly 20 lakh rural households, benefiting close to one crore people. The project will be implemented through a partnership between the State Transformation Commission and OneOTT Entertainment Limited, a company of the Hinduja Group.

Beyond improving internet access, the initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities in the state. Officials estimate that more than one lakh direct and indirect jobs will be created over the next two to three years. Around 8,000 to 10,000 local youths will be trained at the “Nyaya Panchayat” level to work as digital service providers. The program also emphasizes women’s participation, with around 50 percent of the opportunities reserved for women, giving them a chance to build careers in the digital sector.

State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna described high-speed internet as a “game changer” for the rural economy. With improved connectivity, villagers will gain easier access to services such as telemedicine, online education, digital banking and e-commerce. To support young entrepreneurs joining the initiative, the government will provide interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh, encouraging them to start digital service businesses in their communities.

Officials believe the project will help reduce the gap between urban and rural digital infrastructure. CEO of the State Transformation Commission Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of “digital highways” in today’s world, noting that they can be even more impactful than physical roads. The initiative will focus particularly on underserved districts such as Shravasti, Bahraich and Balrampur, where improved connectivity could open new opportunities for online learning, content creation and digital income sources.

‘Project Ganga’ to Bring High-Speed Internet to 2 Million Rural Homes in Uttar Pradesh, 1 Lakh Jobs Expected

The government of Uttar Pradesh has launched an ambitious initiative called ‘Project Ganga’ to expand digital connectivity across rural areas. The project is part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of building a “Digital Uttar Pradesh.” Under this plan, high-speed broadband services will reach nearly 20 lakh rural households, benefiting close to one crore people. The project will be implemented through a partnership between the State Transformation Commission and OneOTT Entertainment Limited, a company of the Hinduja Group.

Beyond improving internet access, the initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities in the state. Officials estimate that more than one lakh direct and indirect jobs will be created over the next two to three years. Around 8,000 to 10,000 local youths will be trained at the “Nyaya Panchayat” level to work as digital service providers. The program also emphasizes women’s participation, with around 50 percent of the opportunities reserved for women, giving them a chance to build careers in the digital sector.

State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna described high-speed internet as a “game changer” for the rural economy. With improved connectivity, villagers will gain easier access to services such as telemedicine, online education, digital banking and e-commerce. To support young entrepreneurs joining the initiative, the government will provide interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh, encouraging them to start digital service businesses in their communities.

Officials believe the project will help reduce the gap between urban and rural digital infrastructure. CEO of the State Transformation Commission Manoj Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of “digital highways” in today’s world, noting that they can be even more impactful than physical roads. The initiative will focus particularly on underserved districts such as Shravasti, Bahraich and Balrampur, where improved connectivity could open new opportunities for online learning, content creation and digital income sources.