Question : Internet Access in Rural Areas of Bihar

(a) the present status of the scheme of the Government to connect the rural areas of Bihar, particularly Kishanganj Parliamentary Constituency with internet;

(b) whether the Government has achieved the targets fixed in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of villages in the State of Bihar connected with internet so far especially in the Kishanganj Parliamentary Constituency; and

(d) whether there has reportedly been any delay in the completion of the work related to the said scheme in many areas and if so, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) & (b) BharatNet project implemented in a phased manner to provide internet connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country includes Bihar. In Bihar, as on 04.09.2020, out of 8963 GPs including BHQs, 8790 GPs is service ready. In Kishanganj Parliamentary Constituency all 133 GPs including BHQs is service ready.

(c) In Bihar, 38821 villages are connected with internet including 3G & 4G mobile services. This includes 1845 villages in Kishanganj Parliamentary Constituency.

(d) Yes, Sir. Delay was due to Right of Way issues and natural calamity like heavy rains/floods etc.


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