Samriddh Gram Wins WSIS Prize 2026
DoT’s Samriddh Gram Wins WSIS Prize 2026 for Driving Rural Digital Transformation: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has won the prestigious WSIS Prize 2026 for its flagship initiative Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model.
The initiative is powered by the BharatNet broadband network and aims to transform rural connectivity into practical socio-economic opportunities.
The award was presented during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment.
What Is Samriddh Gram?
Samriddh Gram is a rural digital transformation programme of the Department of Telecommunications.
It uses the BharatNet network to establish Samriddhi Kendras in villages.
These centres operate as integrated “phygital” service hubs, combining:
- Digital services
- Assisted physical services
- Government services
- Private-sector services
- Community-level support
The model is particularly useful for citizens who may have limited digital literacy.
Why Did Samriddh Gram Win the WSIS Prize?
Samriddh Gram was selected as the Global Winner under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment.
The initiative demonstrated how the combination of:
- Telecom infrastructure
- Digital public platforms
- Community participation
- Assisted service delivery
can improve access to essential services in rural areas.
The award also highlights India’s growing role in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and inclusive digital development.
How BharatNet Supports Samriddh Gram
BharatNet forms the technological foundation of Samriddh Gram.
It is one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programmes and is designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity to rural areas.
According to the Department of Telecommunications, more than 2.17 lakh Gram Panchayats had become service-ready and connected.
This connectivity allows Samriddhi Kendras to provide digital services to people living in remote villages.
Services Available Through Samriddhi Kendras
The centres bring several important services together at the village level.
Healthcare
Digital connectivity can help rural residents access healthcare-related services and remote assistance.
Education and Skill Development
Digital platforms can provide access to educational resources, training and skill-development opportunities.
Agriculture
Farmers can access information and digital support related to agriculture and allied activities.
Financial Inclusion
Digital connectivity can improve access to banking, financial services and other digital transactions.
Governance
Citizens can access government services without having to travel long distances to urban centres.
What Is a “Phygital” Service Model?
The term phygital combines physical + digital.
Under the Samriddh Gram model, technology is combined with human assistance at local service centres.
This is important because simply providing internet access does not guarantee that everyone can effectively use digital services.
The assisted model helps bridge the digital literacy gap and makes online services more accessible.
WSIS Prize 2026
The WSIS Prizes recognise innovative information and communication technology (ICT) projects that contribute to development and the objectives of the WSIS process.
The awards are associated with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-led WSIS process.
Samriddh Gram emerged as the Global Winner in its category after evaluation by the WSIS Expert Committee.
According to the information provided, more than 2.2 million votes were cast globally across the nominated projects.
Indian Projects Among Champion Projects
Among the 18 WSIS Prize categories, only two Indian projects were selected as Champion Projects.
Samriddh Gram subsequently emerged as the Global Winner in its respective category.
This recognition demonstrates India’s progress in using digital connectivity and public digital infrastructure to promote inclusive rural development.
Significance of Samriddh Gram
The initiative is significant because it moves beyond simply providing internet connectivity.
It seeks to convert connectivity into tangible benefits such as:
- Better access to healthcare
- Improved educational opportunities
- Digital financial inclusion
- Agricultural support
- Easier access to government services
- Rural employment and livelihood opportunities
- Greater digital literacy
- Stronger local economies
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
DoT’s Samriddh Gram Wins WSIS Prize 2026 for Driving Rural Digital Transformation:
| Fact | Detail |
| Initiative | Samriddh Gram |
| Implementing Organisation | Department of Telecommunications (DoT) |
| Technology Backbone | BharatNet |
| Award | WSIS Prize 2026 |
| Award Status | Global Winner |
| Category | Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment |
| Award Forum | WSIS Forum 2026 |
| Venue | Geneva, Switzerland |
| International Organisation | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) |
| Village Service Centres | Samriddhi Kendras |
| Service Model | Phygital |
| BharatNet Coverage | More than 2.17 lakh Gram Panchayats service-ready |
| Major Services | Healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and governance |
| Global Votes | More than 2.2 million |
| Total WSIS Categories | 18 |
| Indian Champion Projects | 2 |
| Main Objective | Rural digital transformation and inclusive development |
