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વિજ્ઞાન અને ટેકનોલોજીGS3
GS3

Digital Bharat Nidhi BharatNet Network Agreement in Tamil Nadu

Source:PIB ↗

આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે

It highlights the collaborative federal approach between the Centre (via Digital Bharat Nidhi / USOF) and States (via implementing agencies like TANFINET) to bridge the rural digital divide and expand broadband infrastructure under BharatNet.

સારાંશ

An agreement has been formalized between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Government of Tamil Nadu, and TANFINET to effectively utilize and leverage the BharatNet network infrastructure within Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to expand high-speed rural broadband connectivity, accelerate last-mile digital access, and bolster e-governance under developmental frameworks.

મુખ્ય મુદ્દા

  • An agreement was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN, formerly USOF), Department of Telecommunications, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and TANFINET.
  • The partnership focuses on utilizing the BharatNet network infrastructure in Tamil Nadu to enhance digital connectivity under targeted national developmental programs.
  • Aims to bridge the digital divide, promote inclusive growth, and boost rural digital infrastructure, e-governance, and service delivery across remote or aspirational blocks.

મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો

BharatNet Project

World's largest rural broadband project aimed at connecting all village panchayats and rural habitations with high-speed optical fiber network infrastructure to bridge the digital divide.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III (Digital Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth, e-Governance). Evaluates state initiatives and last-mile digital connectivity in rural areas.

Source
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

Formerly the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), renamed under the Telecommunications Act 2023 to finance universal telecom access, rural broadband, and next-gen tech.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III (Government Policies and Interventions, Telecommunications). Tests understanding of regulatory shifts and telecom financing frameworks.

Source
TANFINET

Special-purpose vehicle (SPV) established to implement the BharatNet project and manage fiber optic networks across Tamil Nadu.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper II/III (Cooperative Federalism, Digital Governance). Relevant for state-level execution of central digital welfare schemes.

Source
Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Central ministry responsible for formulating telecommunication policies, governing spectrum allocation, and overseeing digital connectivity initiatives like BharatNet across India.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper II/III (Governance, Institutional Framework). Tests role of central ministries in national infrastructure creation.

Source
Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)

Amended BharatNet Program focusing on a utilization-driven, service-focused broadband expansion model to upgrade network infrastructure and provide fiber-to-the-home connections.

UPSC context

UPSC GS Paper III (Digital Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth). Examines policy updates aimed at maximizing rural digital utilization.

Source

સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો

Economy Infrastructure & Telecom

How is Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) different from the erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)?

  • Act 2023: Statutory Basis: Replaced USOF under Section 24(1) of the new Telecommunications Act, 2023 to modernize telecom financing.
  • Scope Expansion: Broadband Focus: Expands mandate from basic voice telephony to include high-speed broadband and 5G services in rural/underserved areas.
  • Fund Usage: Broader Utilisation: Permits funding for research, pilot projects, and emergency communication services alongside infrastructure creation.

આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન

  • Telecom Act 2023 + Cooperative Federalism Digital Infrastructure

    The transition from USOF to Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Telecommunications Act 2023 links federal telecom levies to cooperative federalism state-level optical fiber rollouts via entities like TANFINET.

Digital Bharat Nidhi (ex-USOF) statutory mandate and Telecommunications Act 2023 provisions will likely feature in a 2-statement Prelims Q.

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2

  • 2026PrelimsGS1

    Which one of the following best describes the key objective of India's 'Open Network for Digital Commerce' (ONDC) initiative ?

  • 2023MainsGS3

    What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.