STATE GETS `1,243CR FOR BHARATNET P2

The Centre has allotted Telangana state `1,243 crore for the implementation of BharatNet Phase-2. The objective of this nationwide programme is to ensure hi-speed broadband network in rural areas in all states.

In the second phase, nearly 6,650 gram panchayat limits would be equipped with high speed internet services. The Centre would be releasing some portion of these funds as advance to enable faster implementation. A memorandum of understanding was signed IT department principal secretary Jayesh Ranjan and Telangana Fibre Grid Corporation MD Sujai Karampuri with Union IT ministry officials on Monday.

Union IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad described the launch of BharatNet phase-2 as a momentous occasion, Union communications minister Manoj Sinha lauded Telangana state and urged other states to emulate it.

He said Telangana state was utilising the trenches dug for Mission Bhagiratha to lay fibre optic ducts and cables to bring synergy in costing, implementation and maintenance.