Internet connectivity to all GPs of Odisha by April, 2021

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: In another significant step towards realization of 5T principles in Governance transformation, Government have set the target to provide high speed internet connectivity to all Gram Panchayats in phases by April, 2021. This was decided in State Level Implementation Committee held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy over digital mode from Lokseba Bhawan today wherein Secretary Electronics and Telecommunication (E & IT) Manoj Kumar Mishra outlined the administrative, technical and financial issues for discussion.  Reviewing the progress made so far, Chief Secretary directed to expedite implementation of Phase-II Bhrat Net programme and provide connectivity to all GPs by April, 2021. He said, “The digital infrastructure will be an enabler of growth and development in the State”.  Road map was set to give phase wise connection to the GPs and complete the entire process by coming April. Chief Secretary Tripathy also directed to give Wi-Fi connectivity at main activity points of the GPs. All Government offices including the schools, medicals and banks can also access the connectivity.  Development Commissioner Suresh Chandra Mohapatra advised to put in place a definite proactive system for regular maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure including the cables for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Chief Secretary Tripathy directed to ensure the high bandwidth and quality connectivity in all GPs.  It was decided that each GP would have five connection points for utilization by development institutions and Government offices. The main commercial place of the GP would get Wi-Fi connection. The telemedicine centers, schools and agriculture kiosks would be connected for facilitating health care, e-learning and profitable agri-commerce.  Secretary E & IT Mishra appraised, “So far 22, 541 kms of optical fiber cable has been laid against the target of 27,610 Kms. The balance of 5069 kms will be completed soon”. Similarly as of now, 4651 GPs and 230 blocks have been provided the connectivity. Rest blocks and GPs will be linked up in phases. The ground level action plan for commissioning of connectivity at all GPs was discussed in the meeting. Chief Secretary asked Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department to operationalize the internet points at the GPs as and when the connections are available.  The discussions in the meeting showed that OCAC under the department of E & IT is emerging as the chief Bandwidth provider in remote areas of the State. Secretary IT Mishra said, “This infrastructure will bring all the GPs within the scope of SWAN network. Besides, its dark fibers can be hired to the telecom and internet service providers on commercial basis”.  It was decided to formulate a SPV involving the departments like Energy, E & IT and Panchayati Raj for productive utilization of the digital infrastructure created in the State. Chief Secretary Tripathy directed to work out a viable business plan with self sustaining models for the SPV.