USO

Summary of ongoing agreement in Rajasthan Service Area

S.NO DBN Project name Agreement no. and date Objective of the Scheme/Project Project roll out date Project Tenure Project completion date Target of sites in Rajasthan Total no. of commissioned sites in Rajasthan as on 31.03.2026
1 Amended BharatNet (ABP) 30-708/USOF/BharatNet/ABP-1 dated. 24.01.2024 ABP is a revised BharatNet scheme for extending the scope of BharatNet to all 6.4 Lakh inhabited GPs/Villages, with project to be implemented across 28 states and 6 Uts, including upgradation of existing network of BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II, build the network in uncovered GPs and O&M for 10 years. The ABP, inter-alia, includes provisioning of 1.5 crore rural home fibers connections distributed across all states/UTs with priority to cover government institute including schools, primary health centers, Aanganwadis, panchayat Offices etc. 24.01.2024 10 years from roll out date 23.01.2034 14000 (All GPs in Rajasthan) 8746
2 Saturation of 4G Mobile Coverage of Uncovered Villages 30-231/2023/DoT/USOF dated. 06.02.2023 Provision for 4G Mobile Services for coverage of Uncovered Villages across the country by installing new 4G Mobile Towers. Provision for 4G mobile services at villages having only 2G/3G services from existing BSNL/other TSP towers by upgrating the BSNL towers or installation of new towers at other TSP locations. 06.02.2023 6 years & 330 days (695 days for roll out and 5 years for O&M) 01.02.2030 1357 1130 on Air (as reported in e-Mulyankan)
3 Provision of Mobile Services in 354 Uncovered Villages  USOF/SP/354Uncovered/2018-19 dated 28.04.2020 Objective of the scheme is to provide financial support from DBN fund for provision of mobile coverage and telecom services in uncovered villages as part of 354 uncovered villages project to be made available in the entire geographical range of village area. 31.12.2024 12 years & Seven months 30.12.2029 30 30
4 Provision of  4G based Mobile Services in identified uncovered villages in  Aspirational Districts502 Uncovered Villages in Aspirational Districts USOF/Aspirational Districts/1/Rajasthan/2020 dated 22.03.2021 Objective  of the scheme is to provide financial support from DBN Fund for a period of five years, for Provision of 4G based Mobile Services in identified uncovered villages in Aspirational Districts in the state of Rajasthan. 21.12.2025 57Months (Rollout period) + Ten years 20.12.2030 65 56

 

Roles and Resposnibilities of Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) and Controller of Communication Accounts


1. Introduction

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), is an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It aims to expand telecom connectivity in rural, remote, and underserved areas. The Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA) offices function as the field-level implementation and monitoring arms for DBN projects.

2. Roles and Responsibilities of Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)

2.1 Policy Formulation and Scheme Design

  • Formulates policies and designs DBN projects/schemes.

  • Establishes bidding procedures and selects implementing agencies.

  • Defines technical, financial, and operational guidelines.

2.2 Funding and Subsidy Management

  •  Provides financial support to make telecom services viable in rural areas.

  •  Determines subsidy structure, amount, and disbursement schedules.

  •  Ensures timely release of funds to implementing agencies.

2.3 Contracting and Implementation Oversight

  •  Enters into agreements with telecom service providers and other implementers.

  •  Defines terms and conditions, asset ownership, and reporting requirements.

  •  Oversees implementation at a macro level.

2.4 Monitoring and Evaluation

  •  Conducts overall monitoring of DBN projects.

  •  Uses third-party agencies and digital tools for tracking progress.

  •  Undertakes mid-term reviews and impact assessments.

2.5 Strategic and Developmental Functions

  •  Promotes universal telecom access and reduces the digital divide.

  •  Encourages adoption of new technologies and innovation.

  •  Collaborates with stakeholders including industry and international bodies.

2.6 Post-Implementation Review

  •  Conducts audits and evaluations after project completion.

  •  Develops best practices and standardizes procedures.

3. Roles and Responsibilities of Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA) Offices

3.1 Designated Monitoring Agency (DMA)

  •  Acts as the Designated Monitoring Agency for DBN schemes.

  •  Ensures implementation as per agreements and guidelines.

3.2 Financial Disbursement and Claims Management

  •  Processes and verifies subsidy claims submitted by service providers.

  •  Ensures compliance before releasing payments.

  •  Maintains financial records and accounts.

3.3 Field Verification and Inspection

  •  Conducts physical verification of infrastructure such as towers and optical fiber.

  •  Confirms service delivery in targeted areas.

3.4 Monitoring and Compliance

  •  Ensures adherence to DBN guidelines and contractual conditions.

  •  Reports discrepancies and progress to DBN authorities.

3.5 Post-Implementation Review

  •  Performs field-level evaluation after project completion.

  •  Provides feedback for improvement in future schemes.

3.6 Data Management and Reporting

  •  Maintains detailed project and financial records.

  •  Submits periodic reports to DBN/DoT.

4. Relationship Between DBN and CCA Offices

 DBN (Central Authority):

  •  Policy-making, funding, and overall supervision.

 CCA Offices (Field Authority):

  •  Verification, monitoring, and financial disbursement at ground level.