Samriddh Gram Digital Inclusion Wins WSIS Prize

The Department of Telecommunications’ Samriddh Gram Integrated Phygital Services Project won the Global Winner title in the WSIS Prizes 2026 under the Enabling Environment category on 9 July 2026 in Geneva. The project uses a phygital service delivery model that combines physical access points with digital connectivity through BharatNet.

Samriddh Gram Initiative

Samriddh Gram is an integrated rural digital inclusion model developed by the Department of Telecommunications. The term “phygital” combines physical service delivery with digital platforms for access to public and private services. The initiative aims to create one-stop community hubs called Samriddhi Kendras. These centres provide telemedicine, education, skill development, smart agriculture, e-governance, financial inclusion, e-commerce, and public safety services.

BharatNet and Rural Connectivity

BharatNet is India’s national broadband network project for connecting gram panchayats with high-speed internet. The Samriddh Gram model uses this broadband backbone to extend last-mile digital services in rural areas. Each Samriddhi Kendra is designed to serve multiple surrounding villages within a five-kilometre radius. Pilot locations include Umri village in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh, Narakoduru in Andhra Pradesh, and Chaurawala in Uttar Pradesh.

WSIS Prizes and ITU

The WSIS Prizes are linked to the World Summit on the Information Society process and are administered by the International Telecommunication Union. The Enabling Environment category covers projects that support digital access, policy frameworks, and service delivery systems. Geneva is the headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union, a specialised agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies.

Important Facts for Exams

• The International Telecommunication Union was established in 1865 and became a United Nations specialised agency in 1947.
• BharatNet is one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity projects.
• The term “phygital” is used for models that combine physical infrastructure with digital services.
• Telemedicine, e-governance, and financial inclusion are common components of India’s digital public service ecosystem.

Community Participation Model

The Samriddh Gram model includes local facilitation and community participation for service delivery. The Digital Empowerment Foundation is associated with field operations and community mobilisation for the project. The initiative is linked to rural digital transformation through measurable service access at the village level.