Communication, Data and Statistics: Government Schemes

I. Ministry of Communications

S. No.Scheme NameLaunch YearMinistry / AgencyObjective
1BharatNet (earlier NOFN)2011 (Phase I)Ministry of Communications (DoT); Implementing Agency: BBNL → merged with BSNL (2022)Provide high-speed broadband (100 Mbps) to all Gram Panchayats; backbone of Digital India.
2PLI Scheme for Promoting Telecom & Networking Products2021Ministry of Communications; Implementing Agency: SIDBIIncentivize domestic manufacturing of telecom & networking products, support 5G/IoT, reduce imports.
3National Broadband Mission (NBM)2019Ministry of Communications (DoT)Ensure universality, affordability, and quality of broadband; 50 Mbps speed nationwide by 2024-25.
4Tarang Sanchar Portal2017Department of Telecommunications (DoT)Provide public data on mobile towers & EMF radiation compliance; address health concerns.
5Sanchar Saathi Portal2023Department of Telecommunications (DoT)Enable citizens to block/track lost mobiles, verify SIM authenticity, prevent fraud.
6Bharat eMart2022-23India Post + CAIT + Tripta TechnologiesProvide logistics/delivery platform for traders; support ~8 crore small traders.
7Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)2023Department of Telecommunications (DoT)Block stolen/lost mobiles at national level; prevent misuse by blacklisting IMEI.
8DARPAN Project (Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New India)2017India PostDigitally empower rural post offices for financial inclusion & efficient service delivery.
9Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana2017India Post (Postal Life Insurance/RPLI)Provide at least one RPLI policy per rural household in selected villages.
10Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana2017India PostPromote philately among school students (Class VI–IX) through scholarships.
11Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI)2020Department of Telecommunications (DoT)Expand public Wi-Fi networks nationwide; affordable broadband access for all.
12Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative2024Ministry of Communications (DoT with govt, academia, private sector)Use Digital Twin, AI, IoT, 5G/6G for smart, sustainable infrastructure planning.
13Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme2022Department of Telecommunications (USOF, implemented via TCOE India & C-DOT)Fund R&D in rural-specific telecom technologies; promote indigenous solutions.

II. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

S. No.Scheme NameLaunch YearMinistry / AgencyObjective
1MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme)1993Initially Ministry of Rural Development → Transferred to MoSPI (1994)Provide MPs funds to create durable community assets and address locally felt development needs.
2Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Scheme2013-14MoSPI; implemented via State Directorates of Economics & Statistics (DES)Strengthen state statistical systems for reliable data collection, compilation, and dissemination; part of Capacity Development Scheme.