Unveiling Potential of BharatNet Projects

Source: Indian Express
GS III:  Infrastructure

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About BharatNet

Why in News?

Union Cabinet Friday approved Rs 1.39 lakh crore for modernising the BharatNet project which involves changing its execution strategy and providing fiber connections to the last mile through Village Level Entrepreneurs.

News in Brief

• The government hopes to hasten the process of connecting all 640,000 communities over the next 2.5 years with this improvement.
• The government will cover the cost of bringing the infrastructure to the home.
• The rural entrepreneur will simply need to be involved in maintaining and running residential connections, including handling customer complaints about fibre cuts, etc.
• For BharatNet, this is the third such package approved by the Centre.
• In 2017, the Cabinet approved Rs 42,068 crore for the first two phases.
• In 2021, the Cabinet allocated another Rs 19,041 crore to implement the last-mile connectivity under a PPP model which failed to attract much interest.

About BharatNet

• BharatNet, India’s ambitious nationwide broadband project, is transforming the digital landscape of the country.

  

• With the goal of bridging the digital divide and extending high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas, BharatNet projects are empowering communities, fostering economic growth, and revolutionizing communication.
• Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL) is the implementation agency of BharatNet, which was merged into BSNL in July last year.
• Until now, the government has connected about 194,000 villages, and provided internet connections to 5,67,000 households.
• Of these, 351,000 fiber connections have been given using the new BharatNet Udyami project.

Key Points:

• Unveiling BharatNet Projects
  • BharatNet projects aim to connect over 250,000 gram panchayats (village councils) across India with high-speed broadband internet.
  • This extensive network acts as a catalyst for socio-economic development, education, healthcare, and e-governance.
• Rural Empowerment Through Connectivity
  • By extending internet access to rural and remote regions, BharatNet is empowering individuals with access to online resources, e-learning platforms, and digital marketplaces.
  • This newfound connectivity is unlocking opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship.
• E-Governance and Digital Services
  • BharatNet’s connectivity facilitates the efficient delivery of government services to remote areas.
  • Citizens can access essential services like healthcare information, agricultural advisories, and social welfare schemes seamlessly, promoting inclusivity.
• Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship
  • The project is fostering a digital ecosystem conducive to economic growth.
  • Access to online markets enables small businesses and artisans to showcase their products to a wider audience, stimulating local economies.
• Telemedicine and Healthcare Accessibility
  • BharatNet is revolutionizing healthcare delivery by enabling telemedicine services in remote areas.
  • Patients can now consult doctors virtually, reducing healthcare disparities and improving healthcare outcomes.
• Education and E-Learning Revolution
  • Students in rural areas are benefitting from BharatNet’s connectivity, gaining access to e-learning platforms and digital educational resources.
  • This revolution in education is bridging gaps and promoting skill development.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
  • BharatNet projects are often executed through collaborations between the government and private sector entities.
  • This partnership model ensures efficient implementation, innovative solutions, and sustainable expansion.
• Digital Inclusion and Social Impact
  • The projects are playing a pivotal role in promoting digital inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
  • Improved connectivity empowers marginalized communities, creating a more equitable society.
• Technological Infrastructure
  • BharatNet projects involve laying fiber optic cables and deploying advanced network infrastructure.
  • This digital backbone paves the way for future technological advancements and innovations.

Conclusion

• BharatNet projects stand as a testament to India’s commitment to digital transformation and inclusive growth.
• By extending high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas, the projects are unlocking a world of opportunities for education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and governance.
• As BharatNet continues to expand its reach, the digital divide narrows, and India takes confident strides toward a digitally empowered future.

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