opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 139 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Extension of Dhamtari Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Bhojraj Nag

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.139 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## EXTENSION OF DHAMTARI RAILWAY LINE

†*139.    SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state :

- (a)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  extend  the  Dhamtari railway line from Kanker city to Jadalpur in Chhattisgarh; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) and (b) A Statement is laid on  the Table of the House.

****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  AND  (b)  OF STARRED  QUESTION  NO.139  BY  SHRI  BHOJRAJ  NAG  TO  BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.12.2024 REGARDING EXTENSION OF DHAMTARI RAILWAY LINE

(a) and (b) To improve rail connectivity in Kanker district of Chattisgarh,      Dallirajhara-  Rowghat-Jagdalpur  rail  line  project  (235 km) passing through Kanker district has been taken up in two phases, Dallirajhara-  Rowghat  (95  km)  and  Rowghat-  Jagdalpur  (140  km).  In Phase-I  i.e.  Dallirajhara-  Rowghat,  77  km  (Dallirajhara  -  Taroki)  has been commissioned and an expenditure  of Rs.1,028 Crore has been incurred till 31.03.2024 on this project. Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Phase II i.e. Rowghat- Jagdalpur (140 km) has been prepared. To further improve the connectivity of Kanker district, a survey has also  been  sanctioned  for  new  line  from  Dhamtari  to  Kondagaon

(183.19 km) via Banskot and Amravati.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 138 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Increase in Price of Coal
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Ujjwal Raman Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. *138 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## Increase in Price of Coal

## †* 138. Shri Ujjwal Raman Singh:

## Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether the price of coal has increased substantially due to unskilled mining in the country as compared to the global prices during the year 2023-24;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  any  subsidy/concession  to  the  domestic  coal producers to compete with the international coal producers in the coming years; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. *138 for answer on 04.12.2024 asked by Shri Ujjwal Raman Singh:

- (a)  &  (b):  The  coal  is  produced  by  Coal  India  Limited  (CIL),  Singareni  Collieries  Company Limited  (SCCL)  and  NLC  India  Limited  (NLCIL)  in  a  planned  manner  with  mechanization, whereby the operations are carried out by skilled and trained workforce to meet the demand of all sectors at a reasonable price. At present the price of domestic coal is much lower compared to imported coal.

(c) & (d): No such proposal is planned at this stage.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 133 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Specialized Mobile Phone Plan for Non-Smart Phone Users
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 133 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## SPECIALIZED MOBILE PHONE PLAN FOR NON-SMART PHONE USERS

## *133.   SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE: SHRI BAJRANG MANOHAR SONWANE:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  introduce  specialized  mobile  phone  plans specifically designed for non-smartphone users, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  provide  affordable  data  packages  and  internet access to the non-smartphone users, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any studies or surveys to assess the proportion of the population that relies on non-smartphones for telecommunication services;
- (d) whether the Government recognizes the potential barriers faced by non-smartphone users in accessing affordable and suitable mobile plans, if so, the steps taken to address these challenges;
- (e) the measures the Government is considering to encourage private telecom operators to offer plans specifically designed for non-smartphone users; and
- (f) whether  the  Government  considers  implementing  regulatory  measures  or  incentives  to promote the availability of affordable and accessible mobile plans for non-smartphone users through private telecom operators and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

- (a) to (f) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (f) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 133 FOR 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024 REGARDING 'SPECIALIZED MOBILE PHONE PLAN FOR NON-SMART PHONE USERS.'

(a) to (c) No

(d) to (f) As  per  Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of  India  Act  1997,  Telecom  Regulatory Authority  of  India  (TRAI)  regulates  the  telecom  tariff.  As  per  the  existing  regulatory  tariff framework, tariff for telecommunication service is under forbearance except for some services.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 128 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: National Optical Fibre Network Scheme
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Dr. Kalyan Vaijinathrao Kale

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 128 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## NATIONAL OPTICAL FIBRE NETWORK SCHEME

## *128.   DR. KALYAN VAIJINATHRAO KALE:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether  a  National  Optical  Fibre  Network  Scheme  (NOFN)  has  been  launched  by  the Government to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether all 250 Gram Panchayats of the country have been covered under this scheme and if not, the reasons therefor and the total fund allocated for this scheme;

(c) whether the Government has received any complaint for poor network, sub-standard cable wire or any irregularities in this scheme, if so, the details thereof during the last five years, Gram Panchayat-wise and State-wise; and

(d) whether any Committee has been formed by the Government to supervise the irregularities and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 128 FOR 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024 REGARDING 'NATIONAL OPTICAL FIBRE NETWORK SCHEME.'

(a) & (b) National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), renamed as BharatNet in 2017, is being implemented in phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. Till October, 2024, under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II; 2,14,283 GPs are service ready,  against  the  planned  2,22,343  GPs  in  Phase-I  and  Phase-II.  The  provision  of  covering remaining GPs and further strengthening of the Phase-I and Phase-II network is under the scope of Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), which was approved in August, 2023 at a cost of Rs. 1,39,579 crore.

(c) & (d) BharatNet has been under implementation in a phased manner under different models, like Central Public Sector Units (CPSU)-led model, state-led model, private-led model, and Satellite connected GPs. For any difficulties in operations, action is the responsibility of the corresponding implementing agency at the local level. However, the generic complaints such as pertaining to fiber cuts, power/ battery related issues, low speed are being mitigated in the ABP.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 127 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Revenue Generated and Losses Incurred in Vande Bharat Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajeev Rai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 127 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## REVENUE GENERATED AND LOSSES INCURRED IN

## VANDE BHARAT TRAIN

- *127.  SHRI RAJEEV RAI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of revenue generation or losses incurred in running the Vande Bharat train between New Delhi and Varanasi railway stations during the last three years;
- (b) the break-up of revenue generated/losses incurred by this train at each stoppage stations during the last three years;
- (c)  the  details  of  passenger  occupancy  and  commercial  viability  in running of this train between Kanpur and Varanasi railway stations;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to extend the route of this train  beyond  Varanasi  to  its  surrounding  districts  to  improve  its commercial viability; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 127 BY SHRI RAJEEV RAI TO BE ANSWAERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.12.2024 REGARDING REVENUE GENERATED AND LOSSES INCURRED IN VANDE BHARAT TRAIN

(a)  to  (e)  Presently,  New  Delhi-Varanasi  sector  is  being  served  by  27 pairs  of  train  services,  including  02  pairs  of  Vande  Bharat  services. Besides,  extension  of  train  services  is  an  ongoing  process  on  Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

During  2024-25  (upto  October,  2024)  the  overall  occupancy  of  Vande Bharat Express Trains serving passengers between Kanpur and Varanasi  was  113.78%.  This  train  is  commercially  viable  due  to  high occupancy.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 126 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Construction of New Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 126

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RAILWAY LINE

*126.  SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering the construction of a new railway line connecting Phulbani in Kandhamal district, Odisha to the existing railway network;
- (b)    if  so,  the  current  status  of  the  project,  including the timeline for commencement and completion thereof and the budget allocation for the same;
- (c)  if not, the reasons for the delay;
- (d)  the  expected  socio-economic  benefits  of  this  railway  line  for  the people  and  the  surrounding  region  of  the  said  district  for  improving connectivity, boosting trade and enhancing tourism potential; and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  any  alternative  plans  to  improve transportation infrastructure in the region?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 126 BY SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  04.12.2024  REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RAILWAY LINE

(a) to (e):    Rail connectivity for Kandhamal District is proposed to be provided by Rairakhol - Gopalpur new line project being taken up by Odsiha  Rail Infrastructure Development  Limited  (ORIDL),  a  Joint Venture company of Government of Odisha and Ministry of Railways. Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  for  this  new  rail  line  was  prepared  by ORIDL.  However, the alignment of proposed new line was not passing through  Phulbani  which  was  in  contravention  to  the  In-Principle Approval (IPA) granted to ORIDL.  Therefore, ORIDL has been advised to  review  the  alignment  of  Gopalpur  -  Rairakhol  new  rail  line.    The Project is not yet sanctioned.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 125 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Financial Burden on BSNL
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Smt. Dhanorkar Pratibha Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 125 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## FINANCIAL BURDEN ON BSNL

## †*125.  SMT. DHANORKAR PRATIBHA SURESH:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the expenditure being incurred on both officers and employees of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is double than its revenue earnings;
- (b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to make the said entity profitable; and
- (c) the details thereof along with data in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

- (a) to (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 125 FOR 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024 REGARDING 'FINANCIAL BURDEN ON BSNL.'

(a) to (c) The employee cost in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is around 39% of the total revenue earned in FY 2023-24.

Due  to  the  revival  packages  given  by  the  Government  and  BSNL  strategy  and  service offerings, BSNL has started earning operating profit from 2020-21.

From June, 2024 to October, 2024, BSNL has added around 87 Lakhs cellular subscribers, which is an addition of around 10% of its subscriber base.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 123 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Railway Concession for Sports Persons
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Aashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 123 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## RAILWAY CONCESSION FOR SPORTS PERSONS

*123. SHRI AASHTIKAR PATIL NAGESH BAPURAO:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  Government is  aware  of  the  impact  on  sportspersons due to non-continuation of railway concessions especially for those participating in National and State Tournaments;
- (b) if so, the details of any assessment carried out by the Government;
- (c) whether there are any plans to reinstate the concession on railway fares for sportspersons, given the fact that pandemic situation has normalized; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  and  timeline  for  reintroducing  these  concessions and  if  not,  the  reasons  behind  the  continued  suspension  of  these financial benefits for sportspersons?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT RFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 123 BY SHRI AASHTIKAR PATIL NAGESH BAPURAO TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.12.2024 REGARDING RAILWAY CONCESSION FOR SPORTS PERSONS (a) to (d): Indian Railways strives to provide affordable services to all strata  of  the  society  and  gave  subsidy  of  ₹56,993  cr  on  passenger tickets in 2022-23. This amounts to concession of 46% on an average, to  every  person,  travelling  on  Railways.  In  other  words  for  easier understanding, if the cost of providing service is ₹100, then the price of  ticket  is  ₹54  only.  This  subsidy  is  continuing  for  all  passengers. Further,  concessions  beyond  this  subsidy  amount  are  continuing  for many  categories like 4 categories of Persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1604 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Operation of a daily Train originating from Sultanpur
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rambhual Nishad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1604 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## OPERATION OF A DAILY TRAIN ORIGINATING FROM SULTANPUR

†1604.  SHRI RAMBHUAL NISHAD:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the number of passengers travelling from Sultanpur (SLN) to Mumbai is significant high but there is no daily train to Mumbai due to which passengers are unable to get reservation;
- (b) if so, whether the Government proposes to introduce the operation of a daily train originating from Sultanpur;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d)  Presently, Sultanpur is connected to the Mumbai area by 04  pairs  of  trains  which  include  two  pairs  of  bi-weekly  and  two pairs of weekly services. On Indian Railways, the demand pattern of reserved accommodation is not uniform throughout the year and it varies over lean and peak periods. Further, introduction of trains services  and  provision  of  stoppages  are  ongoing  processes  on operational

Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, feasibility, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1600 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Pasighat-Parshuramkund to Rupai Railway Line, Arunachal Pradesh
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Tapir Gao

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1600 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

PASIGHAT- PARSHURAMKUND TO RUPAI RAILWAY LINE, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

1600    SHRI TAPIR GAO:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any survey/investigation has been done on Pasighat to Parshuramkund to Rupai Railway Line, Arunachal Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the time by which Railway line is likely to be constructed; and
- (c) if not, when the time by which the survey/investigation shall be done?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1600 BY SHRI TAPIR GAO TO BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  04.12.2024  REGARDING  PASIGHAT  PARSURAMKUND TO RUPAI RAILWAY LINE, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

(a) to (c): Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Pasighat - Parsuramkund Rupai (217.83 Km) new line project has been prepared. The Project is not yet sanctioned.

After firming up of Detailed Project Report (DPR), sanctioning of project  requires  consultation  with  various  stake-holders  including State  Governments  and  necessary  approvals  viz.  appraisal  of  NITI Aayog,  Ministry  of  Finance  etc.  As  sanctioning  of  projects  is  a continuous and dynamic process, exact timelines cannot be fixed.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1598 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Coal Block Auction
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1598 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## Coal Block Auction

## 1598. Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan:

- Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to bid coal blocks in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any requests for allocating coal blocks to coal PSUs situated in concerned States have been received so that exploration of coal may be done at cheaper rates due to availability of technology, machinery and cheap labour with those local coal PSUs; and (d) if so, the hurdles being faced by the Government to allocate blocks to such coal
- PSUs?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) & (b) Auction of Coal Blocks is a continuous process. As and when coal blocks are available for allocation, these are offered for auction as per present policy of Ministry of Coal under commercial mining on revenue sharing basis. (c) Yes sir
- (d) As per present policy of Government of India, all the Coal Blocks are being offered for allocation by way of auction for sale of coal. PSUs may also participate in auction of coal blocks being conducted Ministry of Coal on regular basis.

***********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1594 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: BSNL Services in Gujarat
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1594 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH  DECEMBER, 2024

## BSNL SERVICES IN GUJARAT

## 1594.   SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the  actions  taken  by  Bharat  Sanchar  Nigam  Limited  (BSNL)  taken  to  enhance  telecom services in rural areas of Gujarat as of now;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation  from  the  State  Government concerning this issue;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the actions implemented or proposed to be taken by the Government to tackle this problem, especially in rural regions; and
- (e) the immediate actions taken by the Government to ensure high-speed internet access in rural areas of Gujarat?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

( a ) to ( e ) Existing equipment of 2G, 3G technology at 2,910 locations/ Towers in rural areas of Gujarat are planned for replacement with indigenously developed 4G technology by BSNL. Further, the Union Cabinet on 27.07.2022 has approved 4G Saturation Scheme to provide 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country and as a part of this scheme, 949 villages of Gujarat are planned for 4G services.

BharatNet  project  is  being  implemented  in  a  phased  manner  to  provide  broadband connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages in the country. To provide high speed internet services in rural areas of Gujarat, BharatNet connectivity has been extended to 14, 316 GPs as  on  31.10.2024  and  balance  GPs/non-GP  villages  (on  demand)  are  planned  under  Amended BharatNet Programme.

*****