Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) – Explained
Why in news?
DBN signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Andhra Pradesh government, approving ₹2,432 crore for covering 13,426 Gram Panchayats and 3,942 villages.
About
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) is a government initiative under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, designed to bridge India’s digital divide. It replaces the earlier Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which was funded by a 5% levy on telecom operators’ Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The DBN continues this mission but with a modernized framework.
Key Features of DBN
- Funding Source: Contributions from telecom companies are credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) before being allocated to DBN projects.
- Scope of Coverage:
- Rural and remote areas
- Underserved urban pockets
- Special focus on marginalized groups (women, persons with disabilities, economically weaker sections)
- Major Projects Supported:
- BharatNet – connecting 2.15 lakh Gram Panchayats with fiber optic broadband
- 4G Saturation Project – upgrading 2G sites to 4G in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas
- Mobile services in aspirational districts, Himalayan & border regions
- Submarine OFC projects – connecting remote islands
Importance
- Digital Inclusion: Ensures equitable access to telecom services across India.
- Economic Empowerment: Enables e-governance, online education, telemedicine, and digital payments in rural areas.
- Security & Connectivity: Strengthens communication infrastructure in border and sensitive regions.
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