March 19, 2026 : In a step towards strengthening rural digital infrastructure, an awareness camp on Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connectivity was organized at Gram Panchayat Bademarenga in Tokapal block of Bastar district under the Government of India’s Samriddh Gram Yojana. The programme was conducted as part of the BharatNet project for the financial year 2025–26 by the Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts, Chhattisgarh Telecom Circle, Raipur.
Officials stated that under the scheme, one Gram Panchayat in each development block is being developed as a ‘Samriddh Gram Panchayat’. The BharatNet initiative aims to extend fiber-based internet connectivity to around 1.5 crore rural households across the country. Special focus is being placed on connecting key public institutions such as schools, primary health centres, Anganwadi centres, and Panchayat offices to improve delivery of digital services and strengthen the rural economy.
The camp was attended by Nodal Officer Shri Amiya Ranjan Behera, Senior Accounts Officer, along with other officials. Local representatives including Sarpanch Shri Sonsay Kashyap, Secretary Shri Surendra Mohare, and a large number of villagers actively participated in the programme.
During the session, participants were informed about the objectives of the scheme and the growing role of internet connectivity in everyday life. Officials highlighted that access to the internet is now as important as basic necessities, as it enables services such as online education, e-governance, digital payments, employment opportunities through digital platforms, operation of Common Service Centres, CCTV surveillance, and efficient Panchayat functioning.
It was further informed that the Government of India is offering subsidy support to make fiber connections affordable for rural households. Villagers showed strong interest in adopting FTTH services and pledged to encourage wider usage within the community.
As part of the visit, the Nodal Officer also interacted with students and teachers at the Upper Primary School in Bademarenga, emphasizing the importance of digital connectivity in education. Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will significantly improve access to digital services and create new opportunities in education, healthcare, and self-employment in rural areas.
