- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024’.
- Its main objective is the management and implementation of the ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’ initiative.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi was established under Section 24(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been renamed as ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’.
Key Provisions of the Rules
- The rules outline the powers and responsibilities of the administrator to oversee the implementation and management of the Digital Bharat Nidhi.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi funds will be directed towards projects for enhancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote regions.
- The rules specify that projects funded under the DBN must meet at least one of several criteria.
- The criteria comprise promoting innovation, research, and development; and supporting the commercialization of indigenous technologies.
- The entity receiving funding from the DBN must share and make available networks/services on an open and non-discriminatory basis.