Page 48 - NIS English 16-31 Aug 2022

CABINET DECISIONS

4G SERVICE FOR UNCOVERED VILLAGES, RS

1.64 LAKH CRORE TO REVAMP BSNL

Digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of the ‘antyodaya’
vision of the government. Under this vision, the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi approved a project to provide 4G mobile services in 24680

uncovered villages; a package of Rs 1.64 lakh crore for the revival of the telecom
company BSNL; and a merger of BSNL and BBNL. The cabinet also gave its
approval to several decisions, including signing the guarantee to host the FIFA
Under-17 Women's World Cup 2022.

n DECISION: Cabinet approves a Rs. 26,316 crore
project for 4G mobile services in uncovered n DECISION: Approved the signing of the
villages guarantee to host the International Football
IMPACT: The project will provide 4G mobile
n Federation (FIFA) U-17 Women's World
services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote Cup in India in 2022.
and difficult areas. In addition, 6,279 villages n IMPACT: From October 11 to October 30,
having only 2G/3G connectivity will be upgraded 2022, India will host the FIFA U-17 Women's
to 4G. The project will be executed by BSNL using World Cup. The FIFA U-17 Women's World
Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will Cup is a prestigious event that will be held in
be funded through the Universal Service Obligation India for the first time. This will encourage
Fund. more young people to participate in sports
The project is a significant step towards the vision
n while also helping to develop the game of
of the government to provide mobile connectivity football in India.
in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of n Fulfillment of a Rs.10 crore financial outlay
various e-governance services, banking services, to the All India Football Federation from the
tele-medicine, tele-education, etc. through mobile budgetary allocation under the "Scheme for
broadband and generate employment in rural National Sports Federations" for playground
areas. maintenance, electricity, power, and cable
laying in the stadium, stadium and training
venue branding, and so on. This event will
DECISION: The Cabinet approves a Rs 1.64 lakh surely inspire more girls to play football
n
crore package for the revival of public sector and increase their representation in sports
telecom company BSNL. BSNL and BBNL will be leadership.
merged.
IMPACT: This decision will help BSNL in improving
n
the quality of its existing services, introducing
4G services, and achieving financial viability. The
latest package aims to improve service quality and
BSNL's balance sheet. In addition, the focus is on
expanding BSNL's optical fibre network.

46 New India Samachar August 16-31, 2022