Context
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated BSNL’s indigenous 4G network and laid the foundation stone for projects worth ₹50,000 crore in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
- The initiative aims to boost digital connectivity, empower marginalized groups, and drive digital inclusion across rural and tribal regions.
Key Highlights
- Empowerment of Dalits and Tribals
- Aligned with Viksit Bharat vision – self-reliance in communications.
- Focus on bridging the digital divide for Dalit and tribal communities.
- Enhanced access to education, jobs, and government services.
- BSNL 4G Network Rollout
- Official launch from Jharsuguda, Odisha.
- Deployment of 46 towers in the first phase.
- Connectivity for 30,000 previously unconnected villages.
- Significance:
- Strengthens rural digital infrastructure.
- Provides base for 5G readiness.
- Enables telemedicine, e-learning, digital governance.
- Economic and Social Impact
- Skill development programmes for rural youth in the digital ecosystem.
- Boosts startups & entrepreneurship in rural regions.
- Improves healthcare access via telemedicine.
- Expands online learning opportunities.
- Odisha’s Role
- Chosen for launch due to strategic importance in India’s digital growth.
- Special focus on historically underserved regions with poor connectivity.