Key National Missions and Schemes Promoting Digital Infrastructure

Digital infrastructure forms the core foundation for economic growth, public service delivery, and digital inclusion across India. The Government of India executes multiple national missions and targeted schemes to build broadband networks, mobile connectivity, cloud data centers, and digital public goods. These initiatives expand optical fiber connectivity, establish public Wi-Fi networks, fund rural telecom rollouts, and promote emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.

Foundational National Digital Missions

Digital India Programme

• Launched on July 1, 2015, by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to transform the country into a digitally empowered society.
• Anchored on three key vision areas: Digital Infrastructure as a Core Utility to Every Citizen, Governance and Services on Demand, and Digital Empowerment of Citizens.
• Structured around nine strategic pillars, including Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, e-Governance, e-Kranti, Information for All, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, and Early Harvest Programmes.

National Broadband Mission (NBM)

• Launched in December 2019 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications to fast-track broadband expansion across urban and rural areas.
• Aims to provide broadband access to all villages, increase optical fiber cable footprint, and raise tower density across the country.
• Introduced the GatiShakti Sanchar Portal as a centralized system to streamline Right of Way clearances for telecom infrastructure deployment across state governments and central ministries.

IndiaAI Mission

• Approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2024 with a financial outlay of ₹10,372 crore to build national compute capacity and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
• Focuses on establishing a public-private AI compute capacity exceeding 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).
• Encompasses strategic components including IndiaAI Compute Capacity, IndiaAI Innovation Centre, IndiaAI Datasets Platform, IndiaAI Application Development Initiative, IndiaAI FutureSkills, and IndiaAI Startup Funding.

Telecommunications and Connectivity Infrastructure Schemes

BharatNet Project

• Originally launched as the National Optical Fibre Network in October 2011 and renamed BharatNet in October 2015.
• Managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which merged operations with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in 2022.
• Funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi to connect all 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats with high-speed optical fiber broadband.
• The Amended BharatNet Program utilizes a Public-Private Partnership model with Viability Gap Funding to expand ring topology networks and provide last-mile fiber connections to rural households.

PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface)

• Approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2020 to expand public Wi-Fi networks through unbundled local providers.
• Operates without any license fee, registration requirement, or royalty for setting up public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Built on a four-tier architecture consisting of Public Data Offices (PDOs), Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs), App Providers, and a Central Registry managed by C-DOT.

Digital Bharat Nidhi (Erstwhile USOF)

• Established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003, and renamed Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• Funded through the Universal Access Levy collected as a percentage of Adjusted Gross Revenue from telecom operators.
• Finances telecom infrastructure projects including the 4G Saturation Scheme, mobile coverage in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, aspirational districts, border regions, and island territories.

Urban and Specialized Digital Infrastructure Initiatives

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

• Launched in February 2021 jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and MeitY.
• Focuses on creating a shared digital infrastructure for urban local bodies across India.
• Houses core platforms such as the Urban Platform for Delivery and Online Governance (UPYOG), Citizen Engagement Platform, and Smart Cities Digital Framework.

Semiconductor and Electronics Infrastructure Framework

• Program for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem approved in December 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore.
• Offers financial support up to 50% of project cost for setting up Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Compound Semiconductors, and Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facilities.
• Supported by the India Semiconductor Mission acting as the specialized administrative agency under MeitY.

Key Digital Infrastructure Schemes Comparison

Digital Infrastructure Key Facts Summary

• Digital India Launch Date: Launched on July 1, 2015, operating under nine core strategic pillars.
• BharatNet Rebranding: Renamed from National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) to BharatNet in October 2015.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi Statutory Basis: Telecommunications Act, 2023 renamed the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) as Digital Bharat Nidhi.
• PM-WANI Architecture: Operates through Public Data Offices (PDOs), PDO Aggregators, App Providers, and a Central Registry.
• GatiShakti Sanchar Portal: Centralized portal under the National Broadband Mission to accelerate Right of Way approvals for telecom towers and optical fiber laying.
• IndiaAI Outlay: Cabinet approved ₹10,372 crore funding for establishing compute capacity exceeding 10,000 GPUs.
• Semiconductor Program Outlay: Launched in December 2021 with a total financial allocation of ₹76,000 crore.