In a significant push towards rural digital empowerment under the Government of India’s ‘Samriddh Gram Yojana’, an awareness camp on Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connectivity was organized in Surajpur district—specifically in Khajuri Gram Panchayat (Pratappur Block) and Keshavpur Gram Panchayat (Ramanujnagar Block). The programme was conducted under the BharatNet project for the financial year 2025–26 by the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts, Chhattisgarh Telecom Circle, Raipur. 

Officials informed that under the Samriddh Gram Yojana, one Gram Panchayat in each development block is being developed as a ‘Samriddh Gram Panchayat’. As part of this initiative, the BharatNet project aims to provide fiber-based internet connectivity to nearly 15 million rural households across the country. Priority is being given to connecting key government institutions, including schools, primary health centres, Anganwadi centres, and Panchayat offices, to ensure expansion of digital services and strengthen the rural economy.

The camp witnessed the presence of Nodal Officer Shri Anjum Sheikh, Assistant Accounts Officer, along with other officials. Sarpanch Secretary, Panchayat representatives, and a large number of villagers actively participated in the programme. Participants were sensitized about the objectives of the scheme, the growing importance of digital services, and the role of internet connectivity in transforming rural livelihoods.

Officials emphasized that internet connectivity has now become as essential as basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Through Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connectivity, rural households can access a range of services including online education, electronic governance services, digital payments, and social media-based employment opportunities, operation of Common Service Centres, closed-circuit television surveillance, and efficient functioning of Panchayat activities.

It was also highlighted that the Government of India is providing subsidy support for fiber connections, enabling affordable internet access in rural areas. During the programme, villagers expressed keen interest and resolved to install Fiber to the Home connections in their households and encourage others to adopt the service.

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