Phygital hubs are poised to transform how services are delivered across rural communities

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has launched a new “phygital” rural service model aimed at improving access to technology-enabled services in villages. 
 
The initiative combines physical service centres with digital platforms to deliver multiple public services in one location.
  
 
The Samriddh Gram initiative in Umri, Guna in Madhya Pradesh, launched by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on March 15-16, 2026, establishes India's first "phygital" (physical + digital) service centre. 
 
Speaking at the launch of the Samriddh Gram initiative, Scindia said the project will bring new opportunities directly to rural communities. 
 
Technology can connect villages to services in education, agriculture, healthcare, and government support.
 
The model allows residents to visit a physical centre where trained staff assist them in accessing digital services through internet-connected platforms.
 
 
The initiative leverages connectivity created through BharatNet, one of the world’s largest
rural broadband infrastructure projects.
 
 
The pilot project will run in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, with centres planned in Umri, Ari, Narakoduru, and Chaurawala villages.
 
 
These centres will provide healthcare diagnostics, tele-consultations, education resources, agricultural advisory services, financial access, and e-governance support.
 
 
High-speed broadband and public Wi-Fi under PM-WANI will enable villagers to access digital services, helping improve livelihoods and bridge the rural digital divide.