In a significant step towards strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating broadband connectivity across rural Chhattisgarh, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), under Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed an Agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the State under the State-led model today at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Agreement was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), DoT; Government of Chhattisgarh; Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL); Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS) for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program in the State of Chhattisgarh.

The Agreement signing ceremony was held in the august presence of Shri Shyamal Misra, Administrator, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN); Shri Ankit Anand, Secretary, Department of Electronics & IT, Government of Chhattisgarh; Shri Mayank Agrawal, MD, Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL); Shri Papa Sudhakara Rao, Director (Enterprise Business - EB), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL); Shri Dinesh Kumar Garg, DDG (ABP Implementation-I), Department of Telecommunications, along with senior officers of DoT, DBN and BSNL.

The signing of the Agreement marks an important milestone towards expeditious implementation of the Programme and reflects the shared commitment of the Central Government and the Government of Chhattisgarh towards strengthening rural digital infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive digital growth.

The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Program on 4^th August 2023 with the objective of upgrading, consolidating and expanding the existing BharatNet network to ensure robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand basis.

Under the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh, the project will be implemented through Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL). The Programme will have a total scope of 11,682 Gram Panchayats, which includes upgradation of 4,048 Phase I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 5,964 Phase II Gram Panchayats, and inclusion of 1,670 newly created Gram Panchayats. In addition, 8,328 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity.

The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹3,942 crore for implementation of the Programme in Chhattisgarh. The initiative is expected to facilitate more than three lakh rural home fibre connections with financial support from the Government of India and significantly enhance delivery of digital services including e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and citizen-centric services across rural and remote areas of the State.

The Agreement signed today is expected to accelerate execution of the Programme in Chhattisgarh and further advance the vision of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

About Digital Bharat Nidhi

Digital Bharat Nidhi (erstwhile USOF) was established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003 w.e.f. 01.04.2002. As per ‘The Telecommunications Act, 2023’ the Universal Service Obligation Fund, has become the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). The DBN has mandate to support universal service through promoting access and delivery of telecommunication service in underserved rural, remote and urban areas. It is an attached office of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.

In order to achieve objectives of DBN, it covers various schemes and projects including BharatNet, 4G Saturation Project, Provision of Mobile Service in uncovered areas of Aspirational Districts, Mobile Services in Left Wing Extremist Areas, Himalayan and Border areas, Islands and North Eastern Areas.

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