Daily Current Affairs : 7-August-2023
In a significant move towards bridging the digital divide and bringing the benefits of the internet to rural corners of India, the Union Cabinet has given its nod to allocate a substantial sum of ₹1.39-lakh crore for the ambitious BharatNet project. This project holds the promise of transforming the lives of millions by providing them with access to high-speed broadband connectivity. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking initiative.
Unveiling the BharatNet Project
Initiated on October 25, 2011, the BharatNet project stands as one of the largest rural telecom ventures globally. This visionary undertaking has been formulated in stages, aiming to interlink all Gram Panchayats – a staggering approximate of 2.5 lakh villages – across the nation. The central objective revolves around offering unbiased broadband access to all telecom service providers, including mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers. Such access is set to empower them to introduce a plethora of services, ranging from e-health and e-education to e-governance, in the remotest corners of rural India.
The Driving Force: Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL)
To steer this monumental project, the reins are in the capable hands of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) christened Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). Formed under the aegis of the Indian Companies Act, 1956, BBNL operates as a pivotal entity collaborating with village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) to bring connectivity to the grassroots.
Current Progress and Future Prospects
The wheels of progress have been set in motion, with an impressive tally of 1.94 lakh villages already linked through the BharatNet network. The journey ahead aims to extend this connectivity to the remaining villages within the next 2.5 years. The extensive rollout has resulted in the deployment of a staggering 647,759 kilometers of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), an essential conduit for high-speed data transmission. Furthermore, the project has culminated in the installation of 583,551 Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) connections, and an impressive network of 104,674 Wi-Fi hotspots, ensuring seamless connectivity right at the grassroots level.
Envisioned Impact and Transformative Potential
The BharatNet project holds several promises that are bound to reshape the digital landscape of the nation:
- Affordable Broadband: By reducing the cost of broadband services, BharatNet is poised to make internet access more affordable and accessible to a wider section of the population.
- Rural Internet Penetration: With the deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots, citizens, particularly those residing in rural areas, will gain the ability to connect to the world wide web, transcending geographical barriers.
- Economic Impetus: Beyond technological empowerment, BharatNet is poised to inject a shot of vitality into the economy. The project’s rollout is estimated to generate around 10 crore man-days of employment, a significant boost to livelihoods across the nation.
- Catalyst for Initiatives: The project harmonizes with the government’s broader visions, including Make In India, Start-up India, and Stand-up India, acting as a catalyst to further accelerate these initiatives.
- Digital India’s Backbone: Emblematic of the Digital India campaign, BharatNet represents the bedrock in narrowing the digital divide between urban and rural India. This transformative endeavor is all set to bridge the technological chasm and empower every Indian, irrespective of their geographic location.
Important Points:
- The Union Cabinet has approved ₹1.39-lakh crore for the BharatNet project.
- BharatNet is a massive rural telecom initiative, launched on October 25, 2011.
- The project aims to connect all Gram Panchayats (about 2.5 lakh villages) across India.
- Its goal is to provide broadband access to all telecom service providers, enabling services like e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural areas.
- The project is managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
- Village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) collaborate with BBNL to provide connectivity.
- 1.94 lakh villages are already connected, and the rest are expected to be linked in the next 2.5 years.
- Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) spanning 647,759 km has been laid.
- 583,551 Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) connections and 104,674 Wi-Fi hotspots are installed.
- Benefits of the project include reduced broadband costs, internet access in rural areas through Wi-Fi hotspots, economic growth, and employment generation.
- The project aligns with government initiatives like Make In India, Start-up India, and Stand-up India.
- BharatNet is a cornerstone of the ‘Digital India’ campaign, aiming to bridge the digital gap between urban and rural regions.
Why In News
The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of a substantial ₹1.39-lakh crore outlay for BharatNet underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering digital connectivity across the nation. This significant investment paves the way for transformative advancements in rural internet access and technology adoption, driving inclusive growth and empowering communities.
MCQs about BharatNet
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What is the main objective of the BharatNet project?
A. To provide non-discriminatory access to broadband connectivity to urban areas.
B. To connect all Gram Panchayats and provide broadband access to rural areas.
C. To establish a global telecom network for India’s economic growth.
D. To focus on enhancing mobile phone coverage in metropolitan cities.
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What is the role of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) in the project?
A. BBNL manages the urban broadband infrastructure.
B. BBNL focuses on Wi-Fi installations in cities.
C. BBNL is responsible for providing connectivity through village-level entrepreneurs.
D. BBNL promotes cable TV services in rural areas.
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What broader government initiatives does the BharatNet project support?
A. Space Research and Development
B. Health and Wellness Programs
C. Rural Agricultural Reforms
D. Make In India, Start-up India, Stand-up India
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