Internet Subsidy Scheme (Goa)

Launched in 2018 under the Goa Information Technology Policy, the Internet Subsidy Scheme is intended to strengthen the state's digital infrastructure and create favourable conditions for IT businesses. Its core purpose is to ease the financial burden on eligible Information Technology Units by covering part of their high-speed internet connectivity costs. Through this measure, Goa seeks to position itself as a preferred base of both location and talent for IT companies, drawing investment and encouraging expansion within the state. The scheme lowers operating expenses for new and established IT units alike, helping them compete more effectively and grow within Goa's expanding technology sector. It reflects the government's stated aim of making the state a preferred destination for technology-driven enterprises.

By targeting high-speed internet bandwidth, the scheme recognises how essential reliable connectivity is to day-to-day business, especially for organisations built around IT. In bearing a substantial share of these expenses, the Government of Goa looks to draw fresh IT investment and hold on to what already exists, which in turn supports employment generation and economic development. The policy is kept under continuous review so that its effectiveness and its impact on the IT sector are sustained.

- **Step 1: Register on the Goa Online Portal.** Go to the Official Web Portal of Goa Online (goaonline.gov.in) and select "Register" in the top right corner. - **Step 2: Verify Details.** Authenticate your Email ID and Mobile Number through the One-Time Password (OTP) method. The Registration Page will then open. - **Step 3: Complete Registration.** Provide all mandatory details on the Registration Page, choose a unique Login Name and set a strong Password. Read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions carefully before accepting them. Type in the Captcha Code and press "Register/Signup" to complete the creation of your account. - **Step 4: Login to the Portal.** Log in to the Goa Online website using the Login Name and Password you have just created, together with the Captcha Code. - **Step 5: Access Scheme Application.** From the top ribbon, select "Services," then go to "IT Services." Find and select the "Internet Subsidy Scheme" to open its dedicated application form. Enter accurate information in every mandatory field and upload all supporting documents that are required. - **Step 6: Submit Application.** Send in the completed application form. A unique registration number is generated once the submission is successful. Make sure to record this number, as it is needed for all future correspondence and tracking. - **Note on Application Frequency:** After incurring the relevant high-speed internet expenditure, applicants may apply under this scheme on a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual basis.

Within 30 days of an application being received, it is scrutinised against a set checklist to confirm that the eligibility conditions are satisfied and the necessary documents are in place. Applications that clear this stage are then placed before an Empowered Committee, which takes a final decision within 60 days of receipt.

Applicants whose proposals are approved are issued a Sanction Order, after which the subsidy is disbursed. Where an application fails to meet the criteria, a Regret Letter is issued instead.