Government Unveils New Rules for Digital Bharat Nidhi

The Department of Telecommunications has announced the 'Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024'. The new rules aim to improve telecom services in underserved areas, and promote innovation and sustainability. The initiative is part of India's mission towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The Department of Telecommunications on Monday notified the 'Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024'. According to the Ministry of Communication, the new rules aim to enhance the management and implementation of the 'Digital Bharat Nidhi' initiative, established under section 24(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The Universal Service Obligation Fund, created under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, has now been rebranded as 'Digital Bharat Nidhi' under section 24(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2024. It now addresses areas requiring support in the evolving technological landscape. Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia described the new rules as a commitment to equal access to telecom services and a step toward a developed India mission.

Minister Scindia tweeted, '@DoTIndia is proud to share that the first rules of The Telecom Act 2023, 'Digital Bharat Nidhi,' are now in effect. This reflects our commitment to equal access to telecom services and strengthens India's mission of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.' The rules mandate funds from the Digital Bharat Nidhi to be allocated to projects aiming to enhance telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas, benefiting women, people with disabilities, and economically and socially weaker sections.

The funded schemes must meet specific criteria, including providing mobile and broadband services, enhancing telecom security, and introducing next-generation technologies in underserved regions. The rules also emphasize promoting innovation, research and development, creating regulatory sandboxes, and standardizing national and international telecom standards.

The criteria extend to encouraging start-ups and creating synergies between academia, research institutes, and industries for capacity building and promoting sustainable technologies. Projects aim at achieving the Atmanirbhar Bharat goal, stipulating that any entity receiving 'Digital Bharat Nidhi' funding must offer telecommunication network/services on an open and non-discriminatory basis.

Enacted into law in December 2023, the Telecommunications Act, 2023, aligns with the principles of Inclusion (Samavesh), Security (Suraksha), Growth (Vriddhi), and Responsiveness (Tvarit), to realize the vision of a developed India. Provisions related to Digital Bharat Nidhi are detailed in section 24-26, Chapter V of the Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)