The Bharat Net Project, an important component of Digital India Programme aims at linking the following institutions throughout India
Last updated May 30, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
Gram Panchayats
Key Highlights of the BharatNet Project
Core Objective: Originally launched as the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) in 2011 and later rebranded as BharatNet in 2015, the project’s primary goal is to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) (approximately 2.5 lakh villages) across India.
Under the Digital India Umbrella: It forms the backbone of the Digital India Programme, aiming to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas by enabling e-governance, e-education, e-health, and digital banking in rural regions.
Implementation: The project is funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and is executed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which has now been merged with BSNL.
Municipalities, City Corporations, and Notified Areas fall under urban local bodies, which are typically covered under separate urban digitalization and smart city initiatives rather than the BharatNet rural connectivity mandate.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
