Source: News on Air
Context: The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL), BSNL and the Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS) for implementing the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) under the State-led model.
What is the Amended BharatNet Programme?
- Objective: to upgrade and expand the existing BharatNet network, provide future-ready broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and villages on a demand basis, and strengthen digital inclusion in rural and remote areas.
- The phrase “on a demand basis” matters. Earlier BharatNet phases laid fibre to Gram Panchayats regardless of whether anyone was using it, and much of that capacity sat idle. Connecting on demand means extending the network where there is actual usage — a shift from building infrastructure to serving users.
What is Digital Bharat Nidhi?
- Formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
- Established: under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003
- Renamed: as Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Telecommunications Act, 2023
- Came into effect: 31 August 2024
- How it works: telecom operators pay a Universal Service Levy as a percentage of their adjusted gross revenue. That money funds telecom infrastructure in areas where commercial operators would not invest on their own — remote, hilly, tribal and low-revenue rural regions.
About BharatNet
- BharatNet is India’s flagship rural broadband programme, aimed at connecting all Gram Panchayats with optical fibre.
- Phase I connected GPs mainly through existing fibre of central PSUs. Phase II extended the network further. The Amended BharatNet Programme now upgrades what exists and extends connectivity to villages beyond the Gram Panchayat headquarters.
