By Salman SH and Nikhil Pahwa Goa is rolling out free data schemes in partnership with Vodafone India to provide 3GB of data bundled with 100 minutes of talktime with new SIM cards, reports Economic Times. Under an agreement between the state and Vodafone, the telco is required to provide data at minimum speeds of 2 mbps while the government will pay Rs 1 crore as monthly fee as subsidy. The free data initiative titled ‘Goa Yuva Samvad Yojan’ will mainly target the youth population between 18-35, the report added. Update: A spokesperson from Vodafone India confirmed with MediaNama that they have rolled out the govt scheme starting today. This subsidy is being offered as per a tendering process. Tender document (download here), suggests that it was meant to find a telecom operator which will give - Free 100 minutes Local Voice Calls - Free 3 GB 3G/4G data services with minimum of 2Mbps download speed - Free SIM card Vodafone will have to "...automatically block the plan towards the beneficiaries who crosses 35 year age mark." Monitoring usage of apps Vodafone will have to setup minimum 500 activation outlets, and all user applications will have to be "accompanied with the copy of Aadhar Card, one Age proof, and document stating 5 Years residence proof in Goa. The Government of Goa may introduce Aadhar based e-KYC authentication of the applicant." In addition, Vodafone, "...has to ensure that all applications approved by Government of Goa/GEL are activated in not more than…
