Samriddhi Kendra Launched Under BharatNet Rural Digital Initiative

Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra in Umri village of Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, under the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The centre represents an integrated “phygital” model that combines physical service infrastructure with digital platforms to deliver essential services in rural areas. The initiative aims to demonstrate how high-speed connectivity under the BharatNet programme can transform village-level service delivery and support rural socio-economic development.

Integrated Phygital Service Model for Villages

The Samriddhi Kendra functions as a one-stop service hub located in the Panchayat Bhawan of Umri village. The centre provides multiple services by combining digital technology with on-ground facilitation. These services include education and skill development, agriculture support, healthcare and telemedicine, e-governance services, financial inclusion and e-commerce platforms. The model seeks to simplify access to essential services for rural citizens while strengthening digital participation in everyday governance and economic activities.

Part of a Multi-State Pilot Initiative

The Umri centre is part of a broader pilot programme covering three villages in different states. In addition to Umri in Madhya Pradesh, the pilot includes Narakoduru village in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh and Chaurawala village in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Each Samriddhi Kendra is designed to serve several surrounding villages within a five-kilometre radius. By testing the model across diverse demographic and regional contexts, the government aims to understand how integrated digital service centres can operate effectively in rural environments.

Leveraging BharatNet for Rural Development

The initiative builds on the BharatNet programme, one of the world’s largest rural broadband projects. BharatNet aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to all Gram Panchayats in India. By linking digital infrastructure with local service delivery systems, the Samriddh Gram pilot demonstrates how rural connectivity can support sectors such as healthcare, education, governance and entrepreneurship.

Important Facts for Exams

• BharatNet is one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programmes.
• The Department of Telecommunications implements BharatNet to connect Gram Panchayats with high-speed internet.
• Phygital services combine physical service delivery with digital platforms.
• The Samriddh Gram pilot covers villages in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Strengthening Rural Digital Ecosystems

The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot is being implemented by the Department of Telecommunications with support from the Digital Empowerment Foundation, which handles field operations and community mobilisation. The initiative is expected to generate valuable insights into how integrated digital service ecosystems can be built in rural areas. If successful, the model could be replicated across the country to improve digital access, strengthen governance and accelerate inclusive rural development.