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A new initiative known as Project Ganga has been launched with the goal of expanding high‑speed internet access to an estimated 20 lakh households across rural and semi‑urban areas of Uttar Pradesh over the next two to three years, officials say. The programme seeks to combine digital infrastructure expansion with local employment opportunities amid broader efforts to reduce the digital divide in the region.

Under the framework of Project Ganga, formally the Government Assisted Network for Growth and Advancement, the Uttar Pradesh government, through its State Transformation Commission (STC), signed a memorandum of understanding with OneOTT Intertainment Ltd, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group, to begin rolling out broadband services in places where connectivity has been limited or absent.

The scheme envisions training and accrediting between 8,000 and 10,000 local entrepreneurs at the Nyaya Panchayat level to serve as Digital Service Providers (DSPs). These DSPs would be tasked with delivering broadband and digital services to surrounding communities. Officials have also set a target of ensuring that approximately half of these positions are held by women, which advocates say could support women‑led entrepreneurship in rural areas.

State authorities say Project Ganga could lead to more than 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs through its implementation. The expansion in connectivity is expected to create ancillary work in digital services, e‑commerce, telemedicine, online education and content creation platforms. Some government commentary suggests that improved access to high‑speed internet may help residents access new income streams without needing to relocate to urban centres.

Local officials point out that enhanced broadband coverage could change how people engage with government services, education and business platforms, especially in historically underserved districts. Planners see digital access as a complement to physical infrastructure investments in stimulating local economies.

Critics, however, stress the importance of clear implementation timelines and monitoring to ensure that the envisaged benefits reach intended communities. Questions remain about how effective training and financial support will be in helping DSPs sustain operations and whether broadband service costs will be affordable for households with limited incomes.

The MoU signing in Lucknow was attended by senior officials from the STC, representatives of OneOTT Intertainment Ltd and other stakeholders. Officials noted that the broad aim of the programme is to support inclusive digital participation and give rural residents better access to online resources and economic opportunities.