New Delhi: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has signed an agreement with the Government of Chhattisgarh for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the state under the State-led model.
The agreement has been signed at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, among DBN, DoT, the Government of Chhattisgarh, Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS).
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The agreement is aimed at expediting implementation of the programme and strengthening rural digital infrastructure, last-mile connectivity and digital service delivery across Chhattisgarh.
The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Program on August 4, 2023, with the objective of upgrading, consolidating and expanding the existing BharatNet network to provide robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on a demand basis.
In Chhattisgarh, the programme will be implemented through CSBIL and will cover 11,682 Gram Panchayats. The scope includes upgradation of 4,048 Phase-I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to improve network resilience, coverage of 5,964 Phase-II Gram Panchayats and inclusion of 1,670 newly created Gram Panchayats.
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In addition, 8,328 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile broadband access in rural areas.
The Government of India has approved financial support of Rs 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 government financial support.
The expanded broadband infrastructure is also expected to strengthen access to digital services, including e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and other citizen-centric services across rural and remote areas of the state.
The agreement marks a significant step towards faster execution of the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh and is expected to support the development of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
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