Digital Bharat Nidhi:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released draft rules to operationalise the Digital Bharat Nidhi, in a fresh attempt by the central government to increase telecom connectivity in rural areas.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi would replace the erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which is a pool of funds generated by a 5 per cent Universal Service Levy charged upon all the telecom fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
- This money would be used to fund the expansion of telecom networks in remote and rural areas.
- As per the Telecom Act, contributions made by telecom companies towards the Digital Bharat Nidhi will first be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).
- All revenues that the government receives, including loans raised and all money received in repayment of loans, are credited to the CFI. The government also incurs its expenditures from this fund.
- The Central government will deposit the collected funds to the DBN from time to time.
