New Delhi, Feb 13: Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia emphasized the significant digital transformation in India over the last eleven years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, highlighting a rise in mobile subscriptions from 930 million in 2014 to 1.2 billion, and internet users increasing from 250 million to over 1 billion.
He pointed out that BharatNet, a key connectivity initiative, aims to provide high-speed internet to every citizen, with investments amounting to approximately ₹42,000 crore for laying optical fibre cables across 2.56 lakh Gram Panchayats. The initiative has evolved into the largest rural connectivity project globally, featuring an upgraded network architecture to enhance reliability.
Scindia addressed implementation challenges in the National Broadband Mission in Tamil Nadu, citing delays in granting Right of Way (RoW) approvals, contrasting the state’s average disposal time of 85 days with the national average of 30.4 days.
He has urged Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister to expedite RoW portal implementation. He praised Kerala’s progress under the BharatNet programme, noting nearly complete service readiness in its Gram Panchayats and adherence to high reliability standards.
In advocating for cooperative federalism, Scindia called for collaboration from all states to ensure the benefits of digital connectivity reach all citizens and acknowledged its critical role in promoting inclusive development and national progress.
