Parliamentary panel flags gaps in BharatNet rollout, calls for state-wise performance audit

A parliamentary panel has raised concerns over gaps in the implementation and utilisation of BharatNet, calling for a comprehensive state-wise performance audit to assess whether the ambitious rural broadband programme is delivering reliable connectivity on the ground. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, in its 32nd Report presented to the Lok Sabha on August 6, examined projects financed through the Digital Bharat Nidhi, with particular attention to BharatNet and rural mobile connectivity schemes.

Panel seeks state-wise audit

The committee has sought a detailed state-wise assessment of BharatNet, indicating that headline figures on infrastructure creation alone may not adequately reflect the actual availability and quality of broadband services in rural areas.

The panel wants performance to be examined across states so that gaps in implementation, utilisation and service delivery can be identified and corrective action taken. The concerns assume significance because BharatNet is intended to provide broadband connectivity to gram panchayats and serve as critical digital infrastructure for rural India.

Connectivity must translate into usage

The committee underlined the need to move beyond measuring the number of gram panchayats declared “service ready” and focus on whether the network is actually being used and delivering dependable connectivity. Official data earlier showed that of the 2,22,341 gram panchayats taken up under BharatNet Phase I and Phase II, 2,14,904 had been declared service ready as of the end of 2025. The BharatNet network is intended to support services including Fibre-to-the-Home connections and broadband access at public institutions such as schools, hospitals, post offices, anganwadis and police stations.

Reliability remains a concern

Network reliability has emerged as another important issue. Government data presented to Parliament in April showed that some gram panchayats classified as service ready had subsequently become non-operational because of cuts or damage to optical fibre cables. As of February 28, 2026, 2,17,805 gram panchayats were service ready, of which 2,12,771 were connected through optical fibre cable for providing FTTH connections. The parliamentary scrutiny therefore places greater emphasis on the distinction between creating infrastructure and ensuring that it remains operational and useful to rural communities.

Rs 20,000 crore allocated for 2026-27

The committee’s observations come as the government significantly increases spending on BharatNet. The Union Budget has allocated Rs 20,000 crore to the project for 2026-27, an increase of 264 per cent over the revised estimate of Rs 5,500 crore for 2025-26. The government had earlier approved the Amended BharatNet Programme at an estimated cost of Rs 1.39 lakh crore. The revamped programme envisages upgrading the existing network, connecting remaining gram panchayats and providing operation and maintenance support for 10 years.

Focus shifts from rollout to outcomes

The parliamentary panel’s intervention signals a broader shift in scrutiny of BharatNet — from kilometres of fibre laid and gram panchayats connected to the quality, reliability and actual utilisation of those connections. With substantial public funds committed to the programme, the committee’s demand for state-wise evaluation is aimed at establishing clearer accountability among implementing agencies and identifying regions where physical infrastructure has failed to translate into meaningful digital access. For BharatNet to fulfil its objective of bridging India’s rural-urban digital divide, the panel’s assessment suggests that connectivity on paper will have to be matched by reliable broadband services on the ground.