Table of Contents
Why in NEWS
The BharatNet project failed to deliver its intended purpose which calls for a complete overhaul of the implementation machinery.
BharatNet project?
National Optical Fiber Network (NoFN) which is now renamed as BharatNet project was launched in 2012.
The project aims to provide affordable broadband services to citizens and institutions in rural and remote areas, in partnership with States and the private sector.
Progress so far
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- Seven years have passed since the National Optical Fibre Network (rechristened BharatNet) project was first envisaged.
- The objective was to connect over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats through high-speed broadband.
- Already, 1.15 lakh gram panchayats have been connected.
- The physical execution of the project is scheduled to be completed by March 2019.
- However, when it comes to actual connectivity and utilisation, BharatNet has achieved little.
- This is despite thousands of crores of taxpayers’ money having already been spent.
Shortfalls?
- The onus of preventive and corrective maintenance of the optical fibre portion connecting gram panchayats is with BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd).
- The responsibility of remaining network elements lay with other agencies.
Why is BharatNet important?
- Top consumers(Indians) globally
- Private companies cater to the urban consumers.
- Revenue
- Jobs
- e-programmes
Way forward
- Action against the officials lacking in discharge of duties.
- State governments must be brought on board to ensure that the project
- Complete overhaul of the BharatNet implementation.
- The industry and government need to team up on projects aimed at bolstering communications infrastructure in the country.
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