Summary:
The Odisha government has signed two MoUs to strengthen digital infrastructure and technology collaboration. One agreement supports the implementation of BharatNet Phase 3, under which the Centre will invest over ₹33.84 billion to extend high-speed optical fibre connectivity to more than 50,000 villages, upgrade 6,799 Gram Panchayats, and expand FTTH services. The second MoU between OCAC and C-DAC focuses on advancing research and digital governance through artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies to enhance the delivery of government services.
The Odisha government has entered into two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), one of which supports the rollout of BharatNet Phase 3 to bring high-speed optical fibre broadband to more than 50,000 villages across the state over the next three years.
The BharatNet agreement was signed by the state’s Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Digital Bharat Nidhi, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Under the upgraded programme, the Central Government will invest over ₹33.84 billion to modernise 6,799 Gram Panchayats using IP-MPLS technology and a ring-topology network. The initiative also includes expanding fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity in rural areas. Optical fibre hubs will be established at both block and Gram Panchayat levels, serving as data distribution centres to connect households and support services such as digital education, telemedicine, e-governance, and other online applications.
The second MoU was signed between the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). It aims to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, research, and digital governance, with a focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced digital solutions to improve the efficiency, transparency, security, and accessibility of public services.
