GUJARAT’S HAR GHAR CONNECTIVITY PROGRAMME: KEY HIGHLIGHTS

PRELIMS BITS 

In January 2025, Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced significant advancements in the state’s digital infrastructure under the ‘Digital India’ campaign. Central to this initiative is the Har Ghar Connectivity Programme, aimed at enhancing rural internet access and improving ‘Ease of Living’ through technology.

Har Ghar Connectivity Initiative

• Objective: Connect rural households using Fibre-to-Home (FTTH) technology.
• Pilot Phase: Deliver 25,000 affordable high-speed internet connections.
• Value-Added Services: Includes Wi-Fi, cable TV, OTT platforms, and gaming.
• Implementation: Joint effort by Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL) and partner agencies.

Key Benefits

• Empowering Communities: Access to digital education, telemedicine, and G2C services.
• Productivity Boost: IoT solutions for agriculture and animal husbandry.
• Convenience: Facilitates digital payments and enhanced entertainment options.

Future Plans

• Expansion: Scale up beyond the pilot phase to connect more rural households.
• Smart Homes Vision: Bridge the urban-rural digital divide and provide equal opportunities.
• Broader Goals: Align with the vision of Connected Government and Communities.

Other Initiatives in Gujarat

• Fibre-to-Field Office & Far-Flung Towers: Focused on rural connectivity improvements.
• Urban Connectivity Enhancements: Connecting rural offices to Gandhinagar via BharatNet.

Leadership in Digital Connectivity

Gujarat leads in digital infrastructure development, being the first state selected for BharatNet Phase-3 under the State-Led Model. The government continues to foster a robust digital ecosystem to ensure equitable benefits for all citizens, especially in rural areas.