Gandhinagar: In a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ vision, the Gujarat government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Starlink Satellite Communications, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The partnership aims to provide high-speed satellite-based internet connectivity to the state’s remote and low-network areas, enhancing digital governance, e-governance, and digital inclusion across Gujarat.
Strengthening Digital Governance Across Gujarat
Prime Minister Modi has emphasized robust digital governance as the backbone of a developed India. Following this vision, the Gujarat government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has taken a major step to extend digital infrastructure to rural and remote areas of the state.
The MoU will enable high-speed internet connectivity in regions facing telecom and network challenges, supporting government initiatives such as digital inclusion, e-governance services, and disaster management control rooms.
Pilot Projects for Key Public Services
Under this MoU, a pilot project will connect:
- Common Service Centers (CSCs)
- Government schools
- Primary Health Centers (PHCs) with telemedicine facilities
- Disaster management control rooms
- Ports and wildlife sanctuaries
The initiative will particularly benefit aspirational districts such as Narmada and Dahod, along with tribal areas, by ensuring secure, stable, and reliable digital services. Police outposts, disaster management centers, wildlife monitoring units, and agricultural research centers will also gain improved connectivity, enhancing security and operational efficiency.
Focus on Education, Healthcare, and Capacity Building
The project aims to provide:
- Smart digital connectivity in schools for better learning outcomes
- Telemedicine services and healthcare accessibility at PHCs
- Joint training programs for government departments, schools, and disaster response teams to build capacity and digital skills
A joint working group of Gujarat government and Starlink representatives will oversee the effective implementation of seamless e-governance connectivity across the state.
Industrial, Highway, and Coastal Connectivity
The MoU also covers:
- Strengthening connectivity in GIDC industrial parks
- Enhancing highway safety systems
- Improving maritime port connectivity
- Supporting coastal police operations
These measures will expand the reach of digital services across critical infrastructure in the state.
Key Officials Present at MoU Ceremony
The MoU exchange ceremony was held in Gandhinagar under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi. Key officials included:
- Industry Commissioner P. Swaroop
- Starlink India Head Prabhakar Jayakumar
- Chief Secretary M.K. Das
- Principal Secretary to CM Sanjeev Kumar
- Additional senior officials from the Science & Technology and Industry departments
The officials expressed confidence that this partnership will be a milestone in Gujarat’s digital transformation, accelerating e-governance and ensuring reliable digital service delivery in even the most remote areas.
About Starlink and Digital Inclusion
Starlink Satellite Communications, a subsidiary of SpaceX, provides high-speed satellite internet services globally, including in areas with limited connectivity. This partnership with Gujarat aims to bridge the digital divide, supporting the state’s smart governance, education, healthcare, and disaster management initiatives.
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