Punjab’s Digital Milestone
Punjab’s Statewide Rollout of the Amended Bharat Net Network: Punjab has become the first Indian state to fully implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme across its entire geographical area. This achievement positions the state as a national leader in rural digital accessibility and high-speed broadband penetration. The rollout brings nearly every village under a unified digital network, strengthening administrative efficiency and public service delivery.
The implementation has also enabled live monitoring of border regions, boosting security preparedness for the sensitive international border. Static GK fact: Punjab shares over 550 km of international border with Pakistan.
Implementation Momentum
The state’s execution of the project received national recognition, with Chief Secretary KAP Sinha honoured for the achievement. The award was presented by Ajay Kumar Kararha, CGM of BSNL Punjab Circle, acknowledging Punjab’s efficient and timely implementation.
Broadband services have been operationalised in 43 shadow areas, which include hard-to-reach border pockets. Only one village remains to be connected, and full coverage is expected by the end of November 2025. This near-universal reach demonstrates a strong last-mile connectivity strategy.
Strengthening Rural Digital Infrastructure
The scheme boosts e-governance, online education, digital documentation, and e-health services throughout rural Punjab. The new digital backbone supports real-time service delivery and reduces dependency on physical offices.
The fibre-based network also helps in integrating rural administrations with central platforms. Static GK Tip: Gram Panchayat is the lowest level of the Panchayati Raj system, formed under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992).
About the Bharat Net Scheme
The Bharat Net Scheme is India’s largest rural broadband development programme. Launched to bridge the digital divide, it aims to deliver high-speed connectivity to every Gram Panchayat and later to all inhabited villages.
The original project was approved on 25 October 2011, targeting around 2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats. The amended programme, redesigned for full village-level coverage, has an estimated cost of ₹1,39,579 crore.
Key Objectives
The scheme aims to deliver broadband connectivity to rural households and institutions. It promotes digital public services such as telemedicine, online governance, remote learning, and digital payments. The upgrade aligns with India’s goal of transforming village-level development through reliable digital infrastructure.
Broader Benefits and National Impact
Punjab’s statewide rollout creates a benchmark for other states aiming to accelerate rural connectivity. The project demonstrates how coordinated implementation can transform border surveillance, governance, and public services.
The enhanced network includes features like OFC ring topology, IP-MPLS network architecture, and a centralised monitoring system (CNOC). These components ensure better uptime and faster data flow across rural regions.
The state’s achievement is expected to inspire similar models nationwide, reinforcing India’s push for equitable digital growth. Static GK fact: India’s telecom sector is regulated by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Punjab’s Statewide Rollout of the Amended Bharat Net Network:
| Topic | Detail |
| First state implementing amended Bharat Net | Punjab |
| Number of shadow areas covered | 43 |
| Pending village for coverage | 1 (expected by November 2025) |
| Key officials involved | KAP Sinha, Ajay Kumar Kararha |
| Main scheme goal | Broadband to rural households and institutions |
| Original Bharat Net approval year | 2011 |
| Estimated cost of amended scheme | ₹1,39,579 crore |
| Core network design | OFC ring topology, IP-MPLS |
| Monitoring system | CNOC (centralised) |
| National significance | Model for rural digital expansion across India |
