Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE), has launched the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project– a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at transforming rural India by integrating physical and digital service delivery using BharatNet connectivity.
TCoE has signed agreements with key implementation partners —
- Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) – Ari & Umri, Madhya Pradesh
- I-Novate Infotech Pvt. Ltd. – Chaurawala, Uttar Pradesh
- Corpus Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. – Narakoduru, Andhra Pradesh
This collaboration marks a major step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that Digital India becomes a grassroots reality.
About Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot
It is a “phygital” (physical + digital) model that combines on-ground presence with digital infrastructure to deliver essential citizen-centric services sustainably in rural areas. Each identified village will host a Samriddhi Kendra, serving as an integrated digital service hub.
Objective
Demonstrate Socio-Economic Impact:
- Show how digital and physical integration can improve access to government and private services at the village level.
Unified Service Delivery:
- Consolidate fragmented services into a single assisted model, encouraging adoption of government schemes and digital platforms.
Rural Digital Empowerment:
- Expand broadband usage via BharatNet by increasing FTTH connections, public Wi-Fi hotspots, and digital literacy.
Pilot Locations
- Ari & Umri – Madhya Pradesh
- Narakoduru – Andhra Pradesh
- Chaurawala – Uttar Pradesh
Key Features and Services under Samriddhi Kendras
Education & Skills Development
- Smart classrooms using AR/VR technology.
- Digital learning labs aligned with school curricula.
- Online vocational training via government platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM.
Agriculture & Healthcare
- Smart farming tools: IoT-based soil sensors, smart pump controls, and drone-based crop management.
- Telemedicine access: Integration with e-Sanjeevani for online consultations.
- Installation of health kiosks/ATMs for diagnostics.
- Local capacity building in first aid and emergency care.
e-Governance, Safety & Commerce
- Assisted access to government schemes and online applications.
- Smart surveillance systems – CCTV and drones for community safety.
- E-commerce enablement: Onboarding of local entrepreneurs on ONDC and other platforms.
- Promotion of digital financial inclusion – online banking, UPI, insurance, and micro-credit access.
Broadband Connectivity Expansion
- High-speed internet rollout through BharatNet.
- New FTTH broadband connections and PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Creation of a Village Area Network for last-mile digital access.
Operations & Maintenance
- Each Samriddhi Kendra will employ 2 trained local personnel (Manager + Assistant).
- Continuous operation and service delivery for 2 years post commissioning.
- Comprehensive maintenance and equipment training provided.
Monitoring & Sustainability
- Real-time digital dashboards for DoT to track usage and performance.
- Feedback systems via IVRS surveys and impact evaluations.
- A clear plan for financial self-sustainability after the pilot period.
Eligibility Criteria
Entities eligible to apply include:
- Indian companies, startups, and MSMEs in telecom or relevant technologies.
- Academic or R&D institutions.
- Government-affiliated bodies – PSUs, Section 8 companies, autonomous organizations.
- Consortiums of the above (collaborations encouraged).
- Note: All participating organizations must be Indian entities.
Project Duration & Support
- Duration: 2 years from commissioning of the Samriddhi Kendra. (Extensions possible based on DoT’s evaluation.)
- Support Provided by DoT:
- Building/space (800–1000 sq. ft.) for the Kendra.
- High-speed BharatNet connectivity.
- Funding under TTDF for approved capex and operational costs.
- Local administrative support for awareness and community engagement.
- Applicant contribution: Minimum 10% of project capex.
Significance
- Promotes inclusive digital growth and citizen service delivery at the grassroots.
- Demonstrates the phygital model for replication in other villages.
- Strengthens Digital India and BharatNet utilization for socio-economic transformation.
- Encourages public-private partnership (PPP) in rural digital development.