BharatNet Connects 2.12 Lakh Gram Panchayats, Bridging India's Digital Divide

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced a major milestone for India's rural connectivity: 2.12 lakh gram panchayats now have access to broadband internet through the BharatNet initiative. This achievement significantly boosts rural digital infrastructure and marks substantial progress towards bridging the urban-rural digital divide.

Scindia emphasized the Modi government's commitment to infrastructure development, noting a five-fold increase in investment compared to the previous UPA government.  "Over the past year, we have allocated ₹11 lakh crore to strengthen our infrastructure, compared to ₹2 lakh crore under the UPA," he stated. This investment is fueling growth across multiple sectors, including railways, highways, and telecommunications.   

BharatNet, the world's largest rural broadband project, is a key component of the Digital India mission. Implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), the initiative aims to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-speed fiber-optic networks. This connectivity is crucial for delivering essential services like education, healthcare, banking, and e-governance to remote villages.   

Key Achievements and Future Plans:

• 2.12 lakh gram panchayats connected as of February 2024.
• Ongoing expansion of 4G and 5G networks to enhance rural digital access.
• Target of connecting all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats by 2025.
• Continued investment in telecom and digital infrastructure to support national economic growth.   

Transforming Rural India:

BharatNet's impact on rural communities is multifaceted:

• Digital Empowerment: Online education, telemedicine, and e-governance become accessible, improving the quality of life for rural residents.   
• Economic Growth: Farmers, MSMEs, and rural entrepreneurs gain access to digital markets and financial services, stimulating economic activity.   
• Strengthened Governance: Seamless broadband facilitates direct benefit transfers (DBT), digital payments, and efficient delivery of government welfare schemes.

The combined impact of BharatNet and the government's substantial infrastructure investments is driving digital inclusion and fostering economic progress across rural India. Scindia's announcement reinforces the government's dedication to building a technologically advanced and interconnected nation.