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Digital Bharat Nidhi Signs Amended BharatNet Program
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signs an Agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in a State under the State-led model. The Agreement is signed at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi. DBN is in focus due to its role in supporting universal service delivery of telecommunication services.
Digital Bharat Nidhi:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Earlier identity | Digital Bharat Nidhi comprises the former name, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). |
| Legal basis | Digital Bharat Nidhi is governed by the Telecommunication Act, 2023. |
| Administrative position | Digital Bharat Nidhi is governed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, as an attached office. |
| Mandate | Digital Bharat Nidhi mandates support for universal service through promoting access and delivery of telecommunication service in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas. |
| Objectives | Digital Bharat Nidhi provides for support for: promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas; research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, and products; pilot projects, consultancy assistance, and advisory support towards service provision; introduction of telecommunication services, technologies, and products. |
| Funding flow | Digital Bharat Nidhi regulates that contributions made by telecom companies are first credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). |
| Non-lapsable balance | Digital Bharat Nidhi regulates that the balance to the credit of DBN is not lapsed at the end of the financial year. |
| Use of collected funds | Digital Bharat Nidhi mandates use of funds collected under DBN to support promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote, and urban areas, and to fund research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, and products. |
| Administration | Digital Bharat Nidhi authorises administration by an Administrator appointed by the Central Government of India. |
| Implementer selection mechanism | The Administrator authorises selection of “DBN implementers” through bidding or invitation of applications from eligible persons. |