How is the Centre and Gujarat Government Enhancing High-Speed Internet Access in Villages?
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Synopsis
The collaboration between the Centre and Gujarat Government is set to revolutionize internet access in rural villages, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from high-speed connectivity. This initiative promises to transform education, healthcare, and livelihoods, marking a significant leap towards digital inclusion.
Key Takeaways
- High-speed internet will reach even the most remote areas in Gujarat.
- Aims for over 98% service uptime.
- Empowers local communities with enhanced digital access.
- Supports sectors such as education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
- Funded with Rs 5,631 crore for capital expenditure.
New Delhi, June 24 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for rural connectivity, the Central Government, in collaboration with the Gujarat Government, has made a substantial move towards delivering high-speed internet to villages throughout the state.
The revised BharatNet programme aims for over 98 percent service uptime, ensuring that even the most isolated regions of Gujarat gain access to dependable digital platforms, which will enhance education, healthcare, livelihoods, and overall quality of life.
A quadripartite agreement was formalized in Gandhinagar involving the Indian Government's Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Gujarat Government, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL).
This agreement assigns all responsibilities related to BharatNet in Gujarat to GFGNL, empowering the agency to execute the revised scheme under the Amended BharatNet Programme.
This collaboration represents a notable achievement for Gujarat, making it the first of eight states to embrace the BharatNet initiative under a state-led model.
The state has already secured in-principle approval for Rs 5,631 crore allocated for capital expenditure alongside ten years of maintenance support for the project.
The initiative aims to link all 14,654 gram panchayats and non-gram panchayat villages in Gujarat to fast and stable internet.
By establishing a forward-looking digital infrastructure, the initiative is poised to empower local communities with better access to digital services.
Government departments will be able to connect with citizens more efficiently, offering services tailored to the needs of farmers, women, students, and entrepreneurs.
This network will also pave the way for innovation.
With fiber connectivity reaching mobile towers, field offices, households, and financial businesses, the programme will enhance mobile signals, facilitate real-time governance, provide household broadband, and foster rural fintech and startups.
As part of the broader Amended BharatNet Programme, the government intends to extend optical fiber connectivity to 2.64 lakh gram panchayats and approximately 3.8 lakh non-gram panchayat villages nationwide.
The Union Cabinet endorsed the scheme on August 4, 2023, with a total program cost of Rs 1.39 lakh crore.
BSNL will act as the project management agency, with professional collaborators executing the work under the Design, Build, Operate, and Maintain model.
The project is set to guarantee high-speed internet with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps for each Fiber-to-the-Home user.
Over the next five years, an estimated 1.5 crore rural households, institutions, and enterprises across the country are anticipated to benefit from this extensive digital transformation.
Point of View
The partnership between the Centre and Gujarat Government is a commendable step towards bridging the digital divide in rural areas. By ensuring high-speed internet access, the initiative not only empowers local communities but also promotes economic growth and innovation. As this project unfolds, it will be essential to monitor its implementation and impact on the ground.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BharatNet programme?
The BharatNet programme is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas across the country.
How will this project benefit rural communities?
This project will enhance access to digital services, improve education and healthcare, and support local businesses and entrepreneurship.
What is the expected speed of the internet connection?
The project aims to guarantee a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps for each Fiber-to-the-Home user.
How many villages will be connected under this initiative?
The initiative plans to connect 14,654 gram panchayats and non-gram panchayat villages across Gujarat.
What is the total funding allocated for this project?
The project has received in-principle approval for Rs 5,631 crore for capital expenditure and maintenance.
