India Introduces New Rules for Digital Bharat Nidhi to Boost Telecom Services
New Delhi, India – The Department of Telecommunication has announced the ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024’. These new rules aim to improve the management and implementation of the ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’ initiative, which was established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The Universal Service Obligation Fund, created under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, has been renamed ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’ under the new Telecommunications Act. This fund will now support new areas that require assistance in the evolving technological landscape.
Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, shared on social media that these rules reflect the government’s commitment to providing equal access to telecom services and advancing India’s mission towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The funds from Digital Bharat Nidhi will be used for projects that improve telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas, and for groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and economically and socially weaker sections. Projects must meet criteria like providing mobile and broadband services, enhancing telecom security, and introducing next-generation technologies in underserved areas.
Other criteria include promoting innovation, research, and development, supporting indigenous technology, encouraging start-ups, and promoting sustainable and green technologies in the telecommunications sector. These efforts aim to achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Any implementer receiving funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi must share and make available their telecommunication network/services on an open and non-discriminatory basis.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, was passed by Parliament in December 2023 and received the President’s assent on December 24, 2023. The Act is guided by the principles of inclusion, security, growth, and responsiveness, aiming to achieve the vision of a developed India.
Doubts Revealed
Digital Bharat Nidhi -: Digital Bharat Nidhi is a fund set up by the Indian government to improve telecom services, especially in areas that don’t have good access to these services.
Department of Telecommunication -: The Department of Telecommunication is a part of the Indian government that looks after all the rules and regulations related to telephones, internet, and other communication services.
Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 -: These are new rules made by the Indian government in 2024 to better manage the Digital Bharat Nidhi fund and make sure it helps improve telecom services.
Universal Service Obligation Fund -: This was the old name for the Digital Bharat Nidhi. It was a fund to make sure everyone in India could get basic telecom services.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia -: He is a member of the Indian government who is responsible for making decisions about telecom services and other important matters.
telecom services -: Telecom services include things like phone calls, internet, and other ways we communicate over long distances.
underserved areas -: These are places in India that don’t have good access to telecom services like phones and the internet.
persons with disabilities -: These are people who have physical or mental conditions that make it harder for them to do everyday activities.
developed nation by 2047 -: This is a goal set by the Indian government to make India a very advanced and prosperous country by the year 2047.