The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has won the WSIS Prize 2026 under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment for its Samriddh Gram initiative. Powered by BharatNet, the project delivers integrated digital services including healthcare, education, banking and governance, reinforcing India’s global leadership in rural digital inclusion.
Key Highlights
- Samriddh Gram wins the prestigious WSIS Prize 2026 in Geneva.
- BharatNet-powered initiative delivers integrated digital services to villages.
- Jyotiraditya Scindia calls it global recognition of Digital India.
- Project transforms broadband connectivity into healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has achieved a major international milestone after its flagship Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model Enabled by BharatNet was declared the Global Winner of the WSIS Prizes 2026 under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment. The recognition, announced during the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, celebrates India’s innovative use of digital public infrastructure to transform rural communities.
The prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize, instituted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), honours projects that effectively leverage Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development. The award highlights India’s growing reputation as a global leader in inclusive digital transformation.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia described the honour as another milestone for Digital India, saying it reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring that technology reaches every citizen, including those living in the country’s remotest villages. He emphasised that BharatNet is converting digital connectivity into real opportunities through village-level Samriddhi Kendras.
Built on the BharatNet broadband network, Samriddh Gram integrates healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, e-Governance and digital commerce under one roof. The Samriddhi Kendras provide telemedicine, Health ATMs, PM Jan Aushadhi services, smart classrooms, AR/VR-based skill development, IoT-enabled farming solutions, banking services, FTTH connectivity, PM-WANI Wi-Fi and digital support for local entrepreneurs.
The initiative demonstrates how last-mile telecom connectivity can create measurable socio-economic benefits beyond internet access. With more than 2.17 lakh Gram Panchayats now service-ready through BharatNet, the programme is helping bridge India’s digital divide while empowering rural citizens with essential public services.
After a rigorous international evaluation involving expert screening and over 2.2 million global online votes, Samriddh Gram emerged as the Global Winner in its category. The recognition reinforces India’s commitment to building citizen-centric digital infrastructure and creating scalable models for inclusive rural development that can inspire countries across the world.
Conclusion
The WSIS Prize 2026 strengthens India’s position as a global leader in digital public infrastructure, showcasing how BharatNet and Samriddh Gram are driving inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.
FAQs
1. What is Samriddh Gram?
Samriddh Gram is a Department of Telecommunications initiative that delivers integrated digital services through BharatNet-enabled Samriddhi Kendras in rural India.
2. Which award did Samriddh Gram win?
It won the WSIS Prize 2026 under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment at the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva.
3. What services does Samriddh Gram provide?
It offers healthcare, education, digital banking, agriculture support, e-Governance, skilling, broadband connectivity and e-commerce services.
