From rural connect to digital connect: Maharashtra govt to link 39,000 gram panchayats

The state government has already connected 14,000 gram panchayats with broadband connectivity.

Under a new concept – ‘Digital Road’ – the Maharashtra government has started digitally connecting all government offices, schools, health centres up to village levels for effective governance and delivery of state services.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said they have begun developing the ‘Digital Road’ concept to reach out to rural areas of the state with the most advanced technology. (HT File)

This is part of the ambitious ‘MahaNet’ project taken up by the state government, with the help of the Centre.

Officials from the state information technology department said that the government is investing around Rs5,000 crore in the first phase, which will digitally connect 39,000 gram panchayats across the state.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said they have begun developing the ‘Digital Road’ concept to reach out to rural areas of the state with the most advanced technology. The concept will help the government provide services and facilities to the rural population. They will be able to avail this facility at government offices, schools and health centres, which will be connected with broadband internet having a speed of up to 2Mbps.

The government has set a target to digitally connect all 39,000 gram panchayats by the end of 2018. The programme will ensure quality education, healthcare and better access to government services and markets for the rural pockets.