The Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure at the Gram Panchayat level to support the implementation of digital governance tools across the country.
According to official data, all Gram Panchayats are connected to the internet through multiple channels, including Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) connections and services provided by private Internet Service Providers. The connectivity push is being carried out under the BharatNet programme led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aimed at providing high-speed broadband access to rural areas.
As per data available on the BharatNet UNMS dashboard, out of a total of 2.69 lakh Gram Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies (TLBs) across India, more than 2.18 lakh have been made service-ready.
However, the data shows that Goa currently has 191 Gram Panchayats but zero service-ready points under the programme. This places Goa among the few regions where service readiness has not yet been achieved despite national progress.
In terms of funding, Goa is grouped under Maharashtra in the disbursement records. Maharashtra, including Goa, received ₹3,400.60 crore under the BharatNet project over the last five financial years (2020–21 to 2024–25).
Nationwide, a total of ₹22,001.30 crore has been disbursed during this period. The highest annual allocation was recorded in 2021–22 at ₹7,510.96 crore, followed by ₹5,919.79 crore in 2020–21.
The government maintains that the BharatNet initiative is progressing in phases and aims to ensure last-mile connectivity to all Gram Panchayats, including Traditional Local Bodies, enabling access to digital services and governance platforms.
Leave a Reply