The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the implementation of the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) scheme, which would connect all the gram panchayats in the state.
The NOFN would facilitate telecom and cable TV operators to offer mobile, internet and other IT services in rural areas.
Approved by the Union Cabinet last year, the scheme is aimed at providing pan-India broadband connectivity to panchayats at an initial cost of over Rs 20,000 crore.
This would aid e- governance encompassing banking and health services as well.
The project aims to extend existing optical fibre network, which is available up to district and block levels, to gram panchayat level by utilising Rs 20,000 crore from Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund.