Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia today hailed the Department of Telecommunications’ flagship Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model Enabled by Bharat Net project on being declared the Global Winner of the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society Prizes 2026. The initiative has been awarded under Action Line C6: Enabling Environment by the International Telecommunication Union. The Minister described the recognition as a proud moment for India and a global endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat and an inclusive Digital India. Mr Scindia noted that the recognition is a testament to India’s growing leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure, inclusive connectivity and citizen-centric digital innovation. He said that Samriddh Gram is not merely about providing internet connectivity. He added, it is about converting digital connectivity into meaningful services and real opportunities for rural communities. Mr Scindia said that the project brings together healthcare, education, agriculture, digital banking, e-Governance, skilling and livelihood services through village-level Samriddhi Kendras by leveraging BharatNet fibre connectivity. The Minister underlined that the integrated phygital model combines the power of digital platforms with the trust and accessibility of physical service delivery at the village level. He further said, the model thus enables farmers to access modern agricultural services, students to benefit from digital learning, patients to consult specialist doctors remotely, citizens to avail government services, and local entrepreneurs to connect with wider markets, all within their own villages. The WSIS Prizes are among the world’s most prestigious recognitions for projects harnessing Information and Communication Technologies to advance sustainable development. Built on the Bharat Net backbone, Samriddh Gram establishes village-level Samriddhi Kendras as one-stop hubs delivering integrated citizen-centric services spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, skilling, e-Governance, e-commerce and digital connectivity. The initiative demonstrates how robust telecom infrastructure can evolve beyond connectivity into measurable socio-economic transformation through an integrated service delivery model supported by local facilitation and community participation.
News On AIR | July 9, 2026 4:39 PM
Union Communication Minister hails DOT’s Samriddh Gram for winning ITU Global award
