2.18 Lakh Gram Panchayats Linked to BharatNet: Minister
In a significant development, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has informed the Rajya Sabha that 2.18 lakh out of 2.68 lakh gram panchayats in India are now service-ready for high-speed internet under the BharatNet project. This ambitious project aims to provide broadband services to all gram panchayats, which will significantly improve the digital infrastructure in rural areas. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is implementing the project, which is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of people living in these areas.
The information was shared by Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, SP Singh Baghel, in response to a question from a member of the Rajya Sabha. The minister’s statement highlights the progress made so far in the implementation of the BharatNet project, which is a key initiative of the Indian government to bridge the digital divide in the country.
The BharatNet project was launched in 2011 with the aim of providing high-speed internet connectivity to all villages in the country. The project involves laying down optical fiber cables and installing internet exchange points (IXPs) in each gram panchayat. The project is being implemented by the DoT, which is responsible for laying down the optical fiber cables, and the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which is responsible for installing IXPs and providing internet services to the gram panchayats.
As of now, the project has been completed in 2.18 lakh gram panchayats, which is approximately 81% of the total 2.68 lakh gram panchayats in the country. The remaining gram panchayats are expected to be covered by the end of this year. The project is being implemented in phases, with the first phase focusing on laying down the optical fiber cables and the second phase focusing on installing IXPs and providing internet services.
The BharatNet project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of people living in rural areas. With high-speed internet connectivity, villagers will have access to a range of services, including online education, healthcare, banking, and e-commerce. The project will also create job opportunities in the rural areas, as people will be able to work on online platforms and earn a living.
In addition to providing internet services, the BharatNet project will also help to promote digital literacy in rural areas. The project includes a component for digital literacy training, which will be provided to villagers to help them use the internet effectively. This will enable villagers to take advantage of the various online services and opportunities that are available to them.
The BharatNet project is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy of the country. The project will help to promote e-commerce and online businesses in rural areas, which will create new job opportunities and increase economic activity. The project will also help to improve the efficiency of government services, as officials will be able to access online databases and services to improve the delivery of public services.
In conclusion, the BharatNet project is a significant initiative of the Indian government to provide high-speed internet connectivity to all gram panchayats in the country. As of now, 2.18 lakh gram panchayats are service-ready for high-speed internet, and the remaining gram panchayats are expected to be covered by the end of this year. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of people living in rural areas, by providing access to online services and opportunities, promoting digital literacy, and improving the efficiency of government services.
