Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)
Context:
Recently, the union government renamed the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), established in 2002 under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003, as the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key Highlights
- The DBN is a fund that aims to improve the quality and reach of telecommunication services in rural, remote, and underserved urban areas.
- Collection: As of March 31, 2024, a total of ₹1,62,871.64 crore has been collected under the Universal Access Levy.
- One important feature of this fund is that any unutilised balance in the DBN does not lapse at the end of the financial year, ensuring funds remain available for long-term projects.
Major Projects and Schemes under DBN
- BharatNet: A flagship project to provide high-speed broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas.
- 4G Saturation Project: Aims to expand 4G network coverage in uncovered regions.
- Special Focus Areas:
- Provision of mobile services in:
- Aspirational districts.
- Left Wing Extremist (LWE) areas.
- Himalayan and border regions.
- Islands and North Eastern states (including Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam).
- Provision of mobile services in:
Significance of DBN
- Long-Term Commitment: The unused fund is not wasted, ensuring financial stability for extensive, multi-year telecom projects.
- Inclusive Growth: As it prioritises remote and underserved areas, DBN plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide.
- National Security and Connectivity: Expanding telecom networks in border and conflict-prone areas strengthens communication, supports governance, and enhances security.
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