The Union Cabinet’s approval of the last-mile broadband connectivity plan for 6.4 lakh villages under the BharatNet project is a significant step towards enhancing digital connectivity and empowerment in rural India. The project aims to provide optical fibre-based connectivity to homes in all villages of the country, with the assistance of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) and village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs). The plan involves establishing last-mile optical fibre-based connectivity to homes in all villages, ensuring that residents have access to high-speed internet services. The broadband connectivity project for rural India is a visionary undertaking of immense scale. The endeavour entails the extensive installation of fibre optic cables spanning lakhs of kilometres to provide connectivity to numerous villages within two and a half years. The success of the pilot project, which involved connecting sixty thousand villages on a trial basis, has played a pivotal role in motivating the Government to further amplify this digital initiative. The positive outcomes derived from the pilot have undoubtedly spurred the decision to accelerate and expand the implementation of this ambitious project, reflecting the Government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and bringing the benefits of technology to rural communities. The project’s magnitude and scope demonstrate a forward-thinking approach towards ensuring that even the most remote villages have access to the digital world. This initiative has the potential to transform rural economies, education, healthcare, and governance by providing reliable and high-speed connectivity. It’s a significant step towards building a more inclusive and digitally empowered India.
The implementation of this broadband project is poised to have a transformative impact on rural India. It is worth noting that private vendors might have been reluctant to invest in laying fibre in rural areas due to potentially lower returns. With the Government’s strong focus on digitalization through initiatives like Digital India, this last-mile village connectivity is set to significantly benefit rural populations across the entire country. With a monthly plan starting at Rs 399, village committees can harness this connectivity on a collective basis. The potential uses are extensive, particularly considering that agriculture is the backbone of rural India. With broadband access, the entire country can become an open market for agricultural produce. For farmers, this is a win-win situation, as they can also easily access relevant information and guidance. Additionally, rural women skilled in producing items like papads and pickles can now market their products, bringing them additional economic opportunities. High-speed broadband will enable students to access world-class coaching similar to their urban counterparts, thus broadening their horizons and opportunities. Residents in remote mountainous and border regions will now have consistent connectivity. Officials can leverage this connectivity to educate remote villagers about various Government schemes and how to avail themselves of their benefits.
The project is expected to create around 2.5 lakh jobs in the country, contributing to economic development and growth. Village-level entrepreneurs play a crucial role in this initiative. They assist in extending the broadband network to individual homes, provide the necessary equipment, and maintain the network’s functionality. The project offers a revenue-sharing model of 50 per cent between BBNL and VLEs.
In essence, the last-mile broadband connectivity project has the potential to revolutionise rural India by enhancing education, market access, economic opportunities, and Government services. This technological advancement is expected to be a game-changer with a significant contribution to overall rural development.
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