Bhubaneswar: In a significant effort to enhance digital connectivity in rural regions, the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department of Odisha has mandated district collectors to facilitate the effective execution of the Amended BharatNet Programme.

In a letter issued by Surya Narayan Dash, the special secretary to the government, collectors are urged to promptly organize designated areas, continuous accessibility, responsible custodianship, and strong protection for BharatNet assets across all gram panchayats (GPs).

This instruction follows resolutions made during a high-level meeting on May 25, led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Electronics & Information Technology Department, and builds on a prior communication from the Panchayati Raj Department dated May 30.

Essential Directives for BharatNet Implementation

To ensure the project’s enduring success and operational viability, the state government has outlined five essential guidelines for local authorities:

• Free Outdoor Space: If indoor installation of BharatNet equipment is impractical within gram panchayat buildings, panchayats must provide appropriate outdoor spaces either on GP premises or in nearby government facilities at no cost.
• 24/7 Unhindered Access: Representatives from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the Project Monitoring Agency (PMA), and the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) must have unrestricted, round-the-clock access to the equipment for immediate operational and maintenance needs.
• Designated Custodians: The appointed Gram Panchayat representative or official in charge will serve as the official custodian of the BharatNet equipment.
• Asset Record Maintenance: Custodians are required to maintain detailed and current asset registers of all installed BharatNet infrastructure within their jurisdictions.
• Safety & Disaster Security: Gram Panchayats must guarantee the physical safety and protection of the equipment, focusing on safeguarding these digital assets during emergencies and natural disasters.

Emphasis on Accountability and Monitoring

The Special Secretary has called upon all collectors to promptly instruct Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) under their administration to comply with these regulations.

To avoid delays in implementation, the state government has stressed the importance of close monitoring at the district level. Collectors are required to provide an Action Taken Report (ATR) to the department as soon as possible.

The Amended BharatNet Programme is a key initiative designed to bridge the digital gap by providing high-speed, reliable broadband connectivity to rural areas in Odisha, transforming gram panchayats into digitally empowered governance and service centers.