In a significant step towards strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating broadband connectivity across rural Jharkhand, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the state under the state-led model at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi.
The signing of the agreement marks an important milestone towards expeditious implementation of the programme and reflects the shared commitment of the central government and the government of Jharkhand towards strengthening rural digital infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive digital growth.
The union cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Program on August 4, 2023 with the objective of upgrading, consolidating and expanding the existing BharatNet network to ensure robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats and villages on demand basis.
Under the Amended BharatNet Program in Jharkhand, the project will be implemented through new SPV namely “Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Limited (JDICL)”. The programme will have a total scope of 4,395 gram panchayats, which includes upgradation of 4,387 gram panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, and inclusion of 8 newly created gram panchayats. In addition, 26,777 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
The government of India has provisioned the financial support of Rs 16.84 billion for implementation of the programme in Jharkhand. The initiative is expected to facilitate more than 0.4 million rural home fibre connections with subsidy support from the government of India and significantly enhance delivery of digital services including e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and citizen-centric services across rural and remote areas of the state.
The agreement signed today is expected to accelerate execution of the programme in Jharkhand and further advance the vision of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.