The Ministry of Communications has inked an agreement to roll out broadband infrastructure across rural Jharkhand under the Amended BharatNet Program. The Department of Telecommunications, through its Digital Bharat Nidhi division, signed the deal with the Jharkhand government and allied agencies to expand internet connectivity to underserved villages in the state.
What the Programme Will Cover
The Amended BharatNet Program will upgrade digital networks serving 4,395 Gram Panchayats across Jharkhand. Of these, 4,387 Gram Panchayats will see their existing linear network topology converted to a more resilient ring structure, while 8 newly created Gram Panchayats will be added to the programme. Beyond Gram Panchayats, the initiative will offer connectivity on demand to 26,777 villages to strengthen last-mile access.
The Government of India has allocated ₹1,684 crore to execute this programme in Jharkhand. Implementation will happen through a special purpose vehicle called Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Limited. The programme is expected to create over four lakh subsidised fibre connections in rural homes across the state.
The agreement was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (part of the Department of Telecommunications), the Jharkhand state government, Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Limited, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Jharkhand Communication Network Limited.
What This Means for You
If you live in a rural or remote area of Jharkhand, this programme aims to bring reliable high-speed internet to your village. Better broadband access will make online education, digital payments, telemedicine and government services more accessible. The subsidy support suggests that home fibre connections will be offered at reduced cost to eligible rural households.