Agreement Signed between DBN (Digital Bharat Nidhi) - Department of Telecommunications; Government of Jharkhand; JDICL; BSNL & JCNL for Implementation of Amended BharatNet Program in Jharkhand
An agreement has been signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DoT), the Government of Jharkhand, JDICL, BSNL, and JCNL to implement the Amended BharatNet Program in Jharkhand under the State-led model. The project aims to upgrade and expand rural broadband connectivity, covering 4,395 Gram Panchayats and 26,777 villages with a financial support of ₹1,684 crore from the Government of India. This initiative will facilitate over four lakh rural home fibre connections and enhance digital service delivery.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams covering government schemes, national infrastructure projects, and telecommunications policy, specifically regarding the implementation and financing of the Amended BharatNet Program in states like Jharkhand.
In Simple Words
Digital Bharat Nidhi and the Government of Jharkhand, along with other partners, have signed an agreement to implement the Amended BharatNet Program in Jharkhand. The project will be carried out using a state-led model through a special purpose vehicle called JDICL.
The initiative covers 4,395 Gram Panchayats and 26,777 villages on a demand basis, supported by ₹1,684 crore from the Central Government. It will provide over four lakh rural home fibre connections and improve digital services such as e-Governance, education, telemedicine, and digital payments across rural areas.
Key Points
- Agreement signed for the Amended BharatNet Program in Jharkhand under the State-led model.
- Signatories include Digital Bharat Nidhi (DoT), Govt of Jharkhand, JDICL, BSNL, and JCNL.
- Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Program on 4th August 2023.
- Project scope in Jharkhand covers 4,395 Gram Panchayats and 26,777 villages on demand basis.
- Financial support provisioned by the Government of India is ₹1,684 crore.
- Project will be implemented through new SPV 'Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Limited (JDICL)'.
- Initiative will facilitate more than four lakh rural home fibre connections with subsidy support.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi was formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Exam Angle
A. ₹1,684 crore
Source: Press Information Bureau