(a) the percentage of households in rural India who have access to internet connectivity, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government has taken any steps to increase internet access among rural households across the country including the State of Odisha;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefore?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)
(a) There are 29.83 rural internet subscribers per 100 population in the country as on 31st December 2019 as per latest “The Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators” report of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) dated 30th June 2020. The License Service Area-wise details are at Annexure.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) BharatNet project implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband/internet connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country, includes Odisha. A total of 1,43,885 GPs is made Service Ready as on 04.09.2020, including 4522 in Odisha.
(d) Question does not arise.