On 30-8-2024, the Ministry of Communication notified Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 to provision telecommunication services. The provisions came into force on 30-8-2024.
Key Points:
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Powers and Functions of Administrator:
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Select Implementors through bidding process or through inviting applications;
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Formulate the procedure of bidding;
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Formulate the procedure for inviting;
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Enter into agreements with Implementors;
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Settle claims and disburse funds from Digital Bharat Nidhi to Implementors;
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Settle disputes with Implementors;
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Monitor, evaluate or verify the work done by Implementers;
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Undertake pilot study, pursuant to achieving the objectives of the Digital Bharat Nidhi;
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Create a digital portal to enable Implementers and other stakeholders to provide services, facilitate interaction, reporting and monitoring of schemes and projects.
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Funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi:
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Funds will be provided to implement schemes and projects;
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Funds, in terms of a percentage of annual collection will be utilized for achieving the objectives;
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Funding modalities will be determined by the Administrator case-to-case, including full/ partial/co-funding/market risk mitigation/risk capital.
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Schemes targeted for underserved group, women/ persons with disabilities / economically and socially weaker sections of society will also be funded.
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The criteria for undertaking schemes and projects under Digital Bharat Nidhi, should provide one or more criteria:
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To provision telecommunication services;
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To create telecommunication network;
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To introduce next generation telecommunication technologies;
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To provide or improve access to advanced telecommunication services;
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To improve affordability of telecommunication services;
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To promote innovation, research and development, promotion and commercialization of indigenous technology development and associated intellectual property including creation of regulatory sandboxes;
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To encourage start- ups in telecommunications sector;
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To create bridge between the academia, research institutes, start-ups and industry for capacity building and development of telecom ecosystem;
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To create new technological solutions and deploy new technologies;
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To promote sustainable and green technologies in the telecommunications sector.
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