What is the BharatNet Scheme? The BharatNet Scheme is one of the biggest telecom projects in the world for rural areas. The Indian government created it to bring high-speed broadband internet to rural areas, notably at the Gram Panchayat level.
The fundamental goal of the plan is simple: to get reliable internet to villages so that people may use digital services, including online education, healthcare, government services, and digital payments.
The Digital India Programme’s main goal is to make India a country where everyone is connected to the internet. This project is a big component of the Digital India Programme, which aims to make India a digitally connected country.
BharatNet Scheme
One of the biggest advantages of the BharatNet Scheme is that it creates new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas. With reliable internet connectivity, local youth can start online businesses, provide digital services, work remotely, and gain access to skill development programs. Farmers can use online platforms to check crop prices, weather updates, and government schemes, helping them make better decisions. Small businesses can promote their products through e-commerce websites and social media, increasing their income. Overall, BharatNet not only improves internet access but also helps rural communities become more self-reliant and digitally empowered, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.
Overview of BharatNet Scheme
| Scheme Name | BharatNet |
| Launch Approval | 25 October 2011 |
| Implementing Agency | Bharat Broadband Network Limited |
| Type of Project | Rural broadband infrastructure |
| Target | Around 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats |
| Technology Used | Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), Radio, Satellite |
| Total Approved Budget | ₹42,068 crore (excluding taxes) |
| Funds Disbursed (till Dec 2023) | ₹39,825 crore |
| Key Objective | Provide broadband connectivity to rural India |
BharatNet Scheme
The BharatNet Scheme is a major initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing high-speed broadband connectivity to rural areas, especially at the Gram Panchayat level. This project plays a key role in the Digital India Programme by helping bridge the digital gap between villages and cities. Through optical fibre technology, BharatNet enables access to online education, healthcare, e-governance, and digital financial services. By improving internet connectivity in remote regions, the scheme supports economic growth, digital inclusion, and better public services across rural India.
Main Objective of BharatNet
The BharatNet Scheme’s main goal is to make broadband internet affordable in rural and remote areas. This helps bridge the digital gap between cities and the countryside.
Key Objectives
- Get broadband internet to about 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
- Give all telecom service providers equal access.
- Support services like:
- e-Education
- e-Health
- e-Governance
- Banking and paying bills online
- Urge private businesses and internet service providers to offer more services in communities.
Current Progress of BharatNet (as of 26 May 2025)
The BharatNet project has already made significant progress across the country.
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Gram Panchayats Connected | 214,325 |
| Optical Fibre Cable Laid | 693,303 km |
| FTTH Connections | 1,281,564 |
| Wi-Fi Hotspots Installed | 104,574 |
These numbers show that the project is helping rural areas gain access to modern internet services.
Phases of BharatNet Project
The BharatNet Scheme is being implemented in two major phases.
Phase I of BharatNet
Phase I focused on connecting block headquarters to Gram Panchayats using optical fibre.
Important points:
- Initially called the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN).
- Existing fibre comes from companies like:
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
- RailTel Corporation of India Limited
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
was used.
- Additional fibre cables were placed where needed.
- Phase I connected over 1 lakh Gram Panchayats.
- It was completed in December 2017.
- Later, the target was expanded to 1.25 lakh GPs.
Phase II of BharatNet
Phase II started after approval from the Union Cabinet on 19 July 2017.
This phase introduced multiple implementation models and different technologies.
Implementation Models
1. State-Led Model
States manage the project themselves.
Examples:
✔ Chhattisgarh
✔ Gujarat
✔ Jharkhand
✔ Andhra Pradesh
✔ Maharashtra
✔ Odisha
✔ Telangana
2. CPSU-Led Model
Implemented mainly by BSNL in:
✅Madhya Pradesh
✅ Uttar Pradesh
✅ Sikkim
3. Private Sector Model
Private companies were allowed to implement the project.
States where this model was used:
✅ Punjab
✅ Bihar
4. Satellite Connectivity
Used in remote areas where fibre is difficult to install.
- 1,408 GPs implemented by BSNL
- 3,753 GPs implemented by BBNL
How BharatNet Network is Used
The BharatNet network allows internet services to reach villages through several methods.
Common Uses
- Leasing bandwidth and dark fibre to telecom companies.
- Providing public Wi-Fi hotspots in rural areas.
- Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) broadband connections.
Institutions Connected
Internet access is also provided to important public institutions, such as:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Post offices
- Anganwadi centres
- Police stations
- Government offices
This helps improve public services in rural areas.
Service-Ready Gram Panchayats in Recent Years
During the last five years, many states have made Gram Panchayats ready for broadband services.
| State | Service-Ready GPs |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 13,921 |
| Maharashtra | 8,975 |
| Gujarat | 8,885 |
| Telangana | 7,414 |
| Chhattisgarh | 5,567 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 5,290 |
| Punjab | 4,781 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 3,811 |
In total, 74,263 Gram Panchayats became service-ready during the last five years.
Why BharatNet is Important
The BharatNet Scheme plays a major role in India’s digital development.
Key Benefits
- Makes it easier for people in rural areas to get online
- Helps rural kids learn online
- Helps doctors offer telemedicine services
- Puts government services online
- Supports online enterprises in remote areas
- Bridges the gap between rural and urban India in terms of technology
FAQs on BharatNet Scheme
1. What is the BharatNet Scheme?
The BharatNet Scheme is a government project that aims to provide high-speed broadband internet connectivity to around 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats in rural India.
2. When was BharatNet approved?
The project was approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 October 2011.
3. Which organisation implements BharatNet?
The scheme is implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL).
4. What is the main purpose of the BharatNet Scheme?
The main purpose of the BharatNet Scheme is to provide high-speed broadband internet connectivity to rural areas of India, especially at the Gram Panchayat level. It aims to improve access to digital services like education, healthcare, banking, and government services.
5. How many Gram Panchayats are targeted under BharatNet?
The BharatNet Scheme aims to connect around 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across India with high-speed broadband internet.
