BharatNet:Cabinet nods for modified implementation strategy

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the 'Modified Implementation Strategy' of BharatNet project for providing broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats by March 2019.

This is a significant step toward governments ambitious project Digital India. It has a vision to establish a scalable network network for providing broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats in the country by using a mix of underground fibre,aerial fibre,radio and satellite media.

Total expenditure amount of Rs 42,068 crore will be funded from Universal Service Obligation Fund(USOF).This strategy includes implementation of project by states and state agencies,private sector and CPSUs.

Infrastructure created under BharatNet will be sharedwith all categories of service providers on non-discriminatory basis. The implementation agency would also be responsible for management, operation maintenance, preferably for the lifetime of the project.

This project will be helpful in faster implementation of various mission mode e-governance projects of central and State governments. It will facilitate electronic delivery of services to citizens of various e-governance, e-commerce, e-education, and e-health services.