Parliamentary committee strict on slow pace of BharatNet, 7 major suggestions to the government in the report presented in Lok Sabha
The Parliamentary Committee report on BharatNet was presented in the Lok Sabha, in which the committee said that although the infrastructure has been created under BharatNet, the goal of equal connectivity to all Gram Panchayats is still incomplete.
RJ Kesari News Desk: The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology (2025-26) presented its 32nd report in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, reviewing the execution of ongoing projects under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Digital India Fund (DBN).
In the report, the committee acknowledged that while significant infrastructure has been built under BharatNet, the goal of connecting gram panchayats across the country and providing equitable connectivity remains unfulfilled.
The committee made several key recommendations regarding BharatNet's progress, technical strategy, monitoring, and accountability, including seven key recommendations.
Recommendation for a comprehensive audit of BharatNet
The committee noted that the number of functional Gram Panchayats is below target and progress is uneven across states and models. Therefore, a comprehensive state-wise and model-wise performance audit of BharatNet should be conducted.
More focus on network usage
It has also been recommended to develop a focused strategy to increase actual usage of the network rather than just laying fibre and to make outcome-based use of DBN funds.
Emphasis on ending delays in revised BharatNet
The committee has called for early finalisation of pending packages, state policies and tenders, better coordination between BSNL, states and other agencies, and a milestone-based monitoring mechanism for each package to ensure timely connectivity to all targeted villages.
Mobile connectivity projects accelerated
The committee recommended strengthening project-wise monitoring and ensuring strict adherence to set timelines, and prioritizing critical projects such as the 4G saturation plan and BOP/BIP.
Suggestions to strengthen technical strategy and service quality
The report recommends setting clear technical standards, timely approval of alternative technologies in difficult areas, robust network reliability monitoring, and the provision of minimum assured speeds.
The committee also emphasized the need for an IP-MPLS architecture and a multi-technology approach.
Demand for increased financial monitoring and accountability
The committee has recommended timely compliance of CAG audit observations, strengthening O&M arrangements to maintain last mile connectivity, increasing private sector participation and strict action on issues like data outages, coverage gaps and weak signals.
Integrated Monitoring of Projects
The Committee has recommended strengthening pre-project appraisal for DBN and the revised BharatNet programme, ensuring realistic costing, strict adherence to contracts and developing an integrated monitoring mechanism to track the progress of projects.