Budget 2017: Bharat Net Allocation Moves Up To Rs 10,000 Crore For 2017-18

The allocation for the ambitious Bharat Net project is being stepped up to Rs 10,000 crore in 2017-18 and high-speed broadband on optical fibre will be available in over 1.5 lakh gram panchayats with hotspots and access to digital services at low tariffs, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday.

A 'Digi Gaon' initiative will also be launched to provide telemedicine, education and skills using digital technology, Jaitley said in his Budget speech.

The minister said the recent spectrum auctions have removed the spectrum scarcity in the country.

"This will give a major fillip to mobilising broadband and Digital India, for the benefit of people living in rural areas," he pointed out.