2.5 Lakh Gram Panchayats are to be connected by National Optic Fiber Network in next Three (3) Years

The Minister for Communication & IT has said that 6000 crore Rupees worth projects were approved in his ministry under the 'Make in India' programme out of proposals worth 20000 crore Rupees that were received. As a part of Digital India programme 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats are to be connected by National Optic Fibre Network in next three (3) years through seven (7) lakh kilometers of Optic Fiber Cable. There is digital divide at present skewed towards Metro cities. Digital India programme will try to bridge this gap, the minister added. Digital India programme is expected to generate five (5) crore direct and indirect employment. He also said that, Digital equality will come only when a most backward Schedule Caste becomes digitally literate and operates a Common Service Center. He added that, the digital empowerment will make a rural artisan to sell their products like madhubani paintings through e commerce sites. Government plans to create a digital locker for storing degree certificates, BPL certificates, etc. India is at present 2nd largest smartphone consumer in the world 2nd only to US. He said that, lots of these electronic goods are imported. To address this Make in India programme is launched, he added.