MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
(SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) BharatNet project is implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. The Phase-I has been implemented by laying incremental underground Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) in linear topology with Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology. The implementation of Phase-II is by connecting GPs through an optimal mix of media (i.e. OFC, radio and satellite) and by laying new OFC from Block to GPs. The scope of BharatNet has been recently extended up to all inhabited villages beyond GPs in the country, including Tamil Nadu and Assam. The infrastructure created under BharatNet project is a national asset, accessible on a non-discriminatory basis to the Service Providers.
(b) The details of the funds disbursed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (the Executing Agency for the Project) under this project within Tamil Nadu and Assam during the last three years and the current year, are given below:
(Rs. in crore)
S. No. State 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 (upto 31.12.2021)
1 Assam 31.90 10.1 9.3 10.1
2 Tamil Nadu 0 0.01 39.44 0
(c) to (f) Phase-I of BharatNet was not taken up in Tamil Nadu as the State Government signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) very late on 31.03.2017 for implementation of BharatNet project with Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL).
BharatNet Phase-II in Tamil Nadu is being implemented by the State Government covering all GPs of the State. The project is being implemented under 4 Packages. For 2 packages comprising 6429 GPs, the work has been awarded. However, the remaining 2 Packages are under litigation and the matter is pending for disposal.
Tamil Nadu has about 17,287 villages (including 12,520 GPs). So far, no GP has been made Service Ready in Tamil Nadu. All the remaining 17,287 villages/GPs have the timeline as August, 2023 for their implementation under the project.
Assam has about 27,912 villages (including 2,664 GPs). As of December, 2021, 1507 GPs have been made Service Ready. The remaining 26,405 villages/GPs have the timeline as August, 2023 for their implementation under the project.
********
Download PDF Files
