Telecom Department Unveils Digital Bharat Nidhi Rules

The Indian government has launched the Digital Bharat Nidhi Scheme( DBN), introducing new regulations aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and services across the country.

This initiative focuses on expanding internet connectivity, promoting digital literacy, and supporting startups and enterprises in the technology sector.

The scheme is part of India's broader push towards becoming a global leader in digital technology and innovation, with the goal of empowering citizens and driving economic growth through digital transformation.

For telecom service access in underserved areas, implementers for the Digital Bharat Nidhi Scheme will be chosen through competitive bidding. For research and development projects, selections will be based on proposals or expressions of interest, with specific technical criteria guiding the choice.

In special cases, the scheme's administrator may directly nominate an implementer, provided they receive approval from the central government. This approach aims to ensure efficient deployment of resources and innovation in expanding digital infrastructure in underserved regions.

The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme mandates that implementers offer services in an "open and non-discriminatory" manner while adhering to the DBN administrator's instructions. The administrator will decide on funding modalities, which could include full or partial funding, co-funding, market risk mitigation, or risk capital.

Additionally, the DBN administrator will establish bidding procedures, eligibility criteria, and oversee fund disbursement. A digital portal will be created to facilitate service provision, reporting, and monitoring of projects by DBN implementers and stakeholders.

The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) administrator, similar to the USOF administrator, will have the authority to monitor, evaluate, and verify the work of DBN implementers. They will define procedures and record-keeping requirements, and can engage consultants for various tasks such as planning, formulation, review, verification, monitoring, and impact assessment of DBN-funded schemes and projects. This ensures that the projects are implemented effectively and align with the goals of the DBN initiative.