Key Details
The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology’s 32nd Report (Eighteenth Lok Sabha)reviews the performance of public- and private-sector projects funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi, particularly BharatNet and rural mobile-connectivity schemes. It was presented to the Lok Sabha on 6 August 2026.
Area | Committee’s Finding | Recommended Response |
|---|---|---|
BharatNet Coverage | Operational Gram Panchayats remain below the objective of universal coverage | Conduct State-wise and implementation-model-wise performance audits |
Network Utilisation | Infrastructure availability has not produced sufficient last-mile use | Increase fibre-to-the-home connections and use DBN funding against measurable outcomes |
Amended BharatNet Programme | Packages and State-led strategies remain pending | Finalise packages, improve coordination and monitor milestones |
Mobile Connectivity | Implementation delays continue across individual schemes | Prioritise the 4G Saturation and border-area connectivity projects |
Technology Deployment | Difficult locations require different technologies and faster approvals | Establish standard technology-selection guidelines and permit suitable alternatives |
Service Quality | Connectivity on paper does not necessarily provide dependable service | Monitor uptime, coverage, signal strength and minimum assured speeds |
Third-Party Audits | Audits have identified outages, coverage gaps, weak signals and infrastructure duplication | Require time-bound corrective action by service providers |
Public-Sector Implementation | Delays and costing weaknesses affect project delivery | Strengthen appraisal, contractual enforcement and performance-linked incentives |
BharatNet's Next Phase Is Service Delivery, Not Infrastructure Creation
The Department-related Standing Committee finds that BharatNet has substantially expanded rural broadband infrastructure, but operational connectivity still falls short of the programme's universal objective.
To assess implementation more accurately, it recommends a comprehensive audit examining:
infrastructure created under different implementation models;
operational Gram Panchayats, not just connected ones;
variations in State-level performance;
delayed or incomplete projects; and
whether public expenditure has translated into usable broadband services.
The Committee emphasises that physical connectivity alone does not guarantee reliable or meaningful access.
Performance Must Be Measured Through Service Quality and Usage
The Committee recommends shifting the programme's focus from network rollout to network performance and last-mile utilisation.
It calls for expanded fibre-to-the-home connectivity, broader village coverage beyond Gram Panchayat offices, and more outcome-oriented use of Digital Bharat Nidhi resources.
Performance should be assessed through indicators such as:
service availability and downtime;
minimum assured broadband speeds;
coverage beyond the connection point;
signal strength and reliability;
active household and institutional connections; and
timely fault resolution.
The report also recommends adopting technology-neutral deployment, using optical fibre, satellite or wireless solutions according to local terrain and operating conditions.
Implementation and Accountability Remain Key Challenges
The Committee notes continuing delays under the Amended BharatNet Programme and other Digital Bharat Nidhiprojects, including the 4G Saturation Scheme and connectivity for border outposts.
It recommends stronger coordination among BSNL, State governments and implementing agencies, together with milestone-based monitoring, time-bound compliance with third-party audit findings and stronger performance management for public-sector implementing agencies through realistic costing, enforceable timelines and performance-linked incentives.
What Is the Digital Bharat Nidhi?
The Digital Bharat Nidhi finances telecommunications services and infrastructure in rural, remote and commercially less viable areas. It succeeded the Universal Service Obligation Fund and is supported through levies collected from telecom operators.
Its purpose is to make connectivity available where normal commercial returns may not be sufficient to attract private investment.
Policy Relevance
Moves evaluation from infrastructure to service delivery: Operational availability, speed, reliability and actual connections provide a better measure of digital inclusion than fibre laid or equipment installed.
Makes geographical variation visible: State-wise and model-wise audits can identify whether delays arise from contracting, coordination, permissions, terrain or technology choices.
Links public funding with measurable outcomes: DBN expenditure can be assessed against active users, network performance and previously unserved settlements connected.
Supports technology suited to local conditions: Faster approval of satellite, radio and other alternatives can prevent difficult terrain from becoming a permanent connectivity gap.
Strengthens accountability for recurring deficiencies: Time-bound responses to third-party audits can reduce repeated outages, weak signals and duplicative infrastructure.
Connects broadband with public-service access: Reliable rural connectivity affects digital payments, education, telemedicine, welfare delivery and local enterprise, not merely internet availability.
Follow the Full Release Here: The Lok Sabha Secretariat press release on the Standing Committee’s Thirty-Second Report