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Date: 2021-07-28 Category: Extra Ordinary State: Union Government Country: India

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act

Issued by Ministry of Communications · Department of Telecommunications

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Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

## Policy Analysis Report: Indian Telegraph Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Indian Telegraph Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021, as notified by the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications. This amendment modifies the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, specifically concerning the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The core purpose of this amendment is to include the provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity between Mainland Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands, with capital expenditure to be funded by the USOF, and make necessary corresponding changes to references. This report provides an overview of the amendment, its rationale, key changes, affected stakeholders, implementation aspects inferred from the text, and expected outcomes. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide information regarding the Indian Telegraph Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021, based solely on the text of the official notification published in the Gazette of India. The analysis focuses on understanding the specific changes introduced by this amendment and their potential implications for the telecommunications industry and related stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** This amendment modifies the existing Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective of this amendment is to expand the scope of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to include funding for the capital expenditure associated with establishing Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity between Mainland Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment appears to address the need for improved telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity in Lakshadweep Islands. The provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity suggests an aim to provide a more reliable and high-speed internet connection to the region. This amendment likely seeks to ensure that the USOF can be utilized to support such projects, which may be considered commercially unviable but are crucial for the socio-economic development of the islands. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces the following key changes to the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951: * **Rule 525 Amendment:** Sub-rule 2, clause v of Rule 525 is amended to include a new item "o" which states: "For provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity between Mainland Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands, Capital Expenditure incurred by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited as Project Execution Agency shall be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund." * This changes the scope of projects that the USOF can fund, explicitly adding submarine optical fiber cable projects to connect mainland India to islands. * **Rule 526 Amendment:** Rule 526 is amended to include item "o" of clause "v" in the list of items mentioned. * This change broadens the coverage of the reference to include the newly added item "o" in Rule 525. The effect of these changes is to formally authorize the use of the Universal Service Obligation Fund to finance the capital expenditure incurred by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the submarine cable project connecting Kochi and Lakshadweep. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * **Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL):** As the designated Project Execution Agency, BSNL is directly responsible for implementing the submarine cable project and will receive funding from the USOF. * **Residents of Lakshadweep Islands:** The residents will benefit from improved telecommunications connectivity, enabling better access to information, communication, and online services. * **The Department of Telecommunications (DoT):** Oversees the USOF and ensures the effective implementation of the project. * **Telecommunications Industry:** Equipment suppliers, contractors, and other players in the telecom sector may benefit from increased demand related to this project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are the primary bodies involved. BSNL is identified as the Project Execution Agency. * **Timelines or procedures:** The amendment does not specify any timelines or procedures. However, the rule comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, implying immediate effect. Further procedures for accessing the USOF would be governed by existing guidelines and protocols. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of these changes are likely to include: * **Improved connectivity:** Providing a more reliable and high-speed internet connection to Lakshadweep Islands. * **Socio-economic development:** Facilitating better access to education, healthcare, e-governance, and business opportunities for the island residents. * **Enhanced telecommunications infrastructure:** Strengthening the overall telecommunications infrastructure in the region. * **Efficient utilization of USOF:** Utilizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund to address connectivity gaps in underserved areas. **9. Conclusion:** The Indian Telegraph Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021, represents a significant step towards improving telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity in Lakshadweep Islands. By enabling the use of the Universal Service Obligation Fund to finance the submarine cable project, the amendment addresses a critical need for enhanced communication services in the region. This amendment will have a positive impact on BSNL, residents of Lakshadweep, and the broader telecommunications industry. It reinforces the government's commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth by improving telecom access to all parts of the nation.

Key Entities Referenced

New Delhi: Location where the notification was issued. Ministry of Communications: The ministry issuing the notification. Department of Telecommunications: The department within the Ministry of Communications responsible for the notification. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: The act under which the powers are conferred to make the rules. Central Government: The governing authority making the rules. Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951: The rules being amended by this notification. Indian Telegraph Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021: The name of the amendment rules. Official Gazette: The official publication where the rules are published. Mainland Kochi: A location for Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity. Lakshadweep Islands: A location for Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited: Project Execution Agency for Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity between Mainland Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands. Universal Service Obligation Fund: The fund providing financial support to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited for the project. Post and Telegraph Manual Volume I, Legislative Enactments, Part II: The manual in which the principal rules were published. Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi: Location of Government of India Press Delhi: Location of Controller of Publications Navneet Gupta: Joint Secretary Admin
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रजजस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 xxxGIDHxxx सी.जी.-डी.एलxx.x-GअID.-E2x8xx0 72021-228530 CG-DL-E-28072021-228530 असाधारण EXTRAORDINARY भाग II—खण्ड 3—उप-खण्ड (i) PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i) प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY स.ं 412] नई ददल्ली, बधु िार, जलु ाई 28, 2021/श्रािण 6, 1943 No. 412] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021/SHRAVANA 6, 1943 सचं ार मत्रं ालय (दरू सचं ार जिभाग) अजधसचू ना नई ददल् ली, 27 जुलाई, 2021 सा.का.जन. 510 (अ).—केन्‍द रीय सरकार, भारतीय तार अजधजनयम, 1885 (1885 का 13) की धारा 7 द्वारा प्रद्‍त िज‍ तयों का प्रयोग करते हुए, भारतीय तार जनयमािली, 1951 को और संिोजधत करने के जलए जनम् नजलजखत जनयम बनाती ह,ैअथाात्:- 1. (1) इन जनयमों को भारतीय तार (चतथु ा संिोधन) जनयमािली, 2021 कहा जाए। (2) ये जनयम सरकारी राजपत्र में प्रकाजित होन ेकी तारीख स ेलागू होंगे। 2. भारतीय तार जनयमािली, 1951 में,- (i) जनयम 525 के, उप-जनयम (2) के, खंड (v) में मद (ढ) के बाद जनम् नजलजखत मदों को िाजमल दकया जाएगा अथाात्:- "(ण) मुख्यभूजम (कोजि) और लक्षद्वीप द्वीप समूह के मध्य समुरी (सबमरीन) ऑजटटकल फाइबर केबल कनेज‍टजिटी के प्रािधान हते ु पूंजीगत व्य य का िहन पररयोजना जनष्पादन एजेंसी के रूप में भारत संचार जनगम जलजमटेड द्वारा दकया जाना ह,ै जजसे सािाभौजमक सेिा दाजय्‍ि जनजध द्वारा जि्‍त पोजित दकया जाएगा।"; (ii) जनयम 526 में "खंड (v) के मदों (क), (ख), (ग), (घ), (ड.), (च), (छ), (ज), (झ), (ञ), (ट), (ठ), (ड) और (ढ)" के िब् दों, कोष् ठकों और िणों को "खंड (v) के मदों (क), (ख), (ग), (घ), (ड.), (च), (छ), (ज), (झ), (ञ), (ट), (ठ), (ड), (ढ) और (ण)” के िब् दों, कोष् ठकों और िणों से प्रजतस्ट्थ ाजपत दकया जाएगा। [फा.सं. 30-176-3/2020-बीबी-यूएसओएफ (खंड.।।।)] निनीत गटु ता, सयं ु‍ त सजचि, (प्रिा.) 4101 GI/2021 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] रटटप णी: मूल जनयम डाक एिं तार जनयमािली खंड- I, जिधायी अजधजनयम, भाग-II, संस्ट्करण में प्रकाजित दकए गए थे और त्‍ पश् चात ये जनम् नजलजखत अजधसूचना संख् याओं के तहत संिोजधत दकए गए – 1. सा.का.जन. 190, ददनांक 18 फरिरी, 1984; 28. सा.का.जन. 606, ददनांक 14 जुलाई, 1988; 2. सा.का.जन. 386, ददनांक 22 मई, 1984; 29. सा.का.जन. 812 (ई), ददनांक 26 जलु ाई, 1988; 3 सा.का.जन. 387 (ई), ददनांक 22 मई, 1984; 30. सा.का.जन. 888 (ई), ददनांक 01 जसतंबर, 1988; 4 सा.का.जन. 679, ददनांक 30 जून, 1984; 31. सा.का.जन. 907 (ई), ददनांक 07 जसतंबर, 1988; 5. सा.का.जन. 428, ददनांक 27 अप्रैल, 1985; 32. सा.का.जन. 916 (ई), ददनांक 09 जसतंबर, 1988; 6. सा.का.जन. 729, ददनांक 03 अगस्ट्त, 1985; 33. सा.का.जन. 1054, ददनांक 02 निंबर, 1988 ; 7. सा.का.जन. 982, ददनांक 19 अ‍टूबर, 1986; 34. सा.का.जन. 179, ददनांक 18 माचा 1989; 8. जी.एस.आर 553 (ई), 27 माचा, 1986; 35. सा.का.जन. 358 (ई) ददनांक 15 माच,ा 1989; 9. सा.का.जन. 314, ददनांक 26 अप्रैल,1986; 36. सा.का.जन. 622 (ई), ददनांक 15 जून, 1989; 10 सा.का.जन. 566, ददनांक 26 जुलाई, 1986; 37. सा.का.जन. 865, ददनांक 29 जसतंबर, 1989; 11. सा.का.जन. 953 (ई), ददनांक 23 जुलाई, 1986 ; 38. सा.का.जन. 413 (ई), ददनांक 29 माच,ा 1990; 12. सा.का.जन. 1121 (ई), ददनांक 01 अ‍टूबर,1986; 39. सा.का.जन. 574 (ई), ददनांक 15 जून, 1990; 13. सा.का.जन. 1167 (ई), ददनांक 28 अ‍टूबर, 1986; 40. सा.का.जन. 933 (ई), ददनांक 03 ददसंबर, 1990; 14. सा.का.जन. 1237 (ई), ददनांक 28 निंबर, 1986; 41. सा.का.जन. 985 (ई), ददनांक 20 ददसंबर, 1990; 15. सा.का.जन. 49, ददनांक 17 जनिरी, 1987; 42 सा.का.जन. 74 (ई) ददनांक 18 जनिरी, 1991; 16. सा.का.जन. 112 (ई), ददनांक 25 फरिरी, 1987; 43 सा.का.जन. 237 (ई), ददनांक 25 अप्रैल,1991; 17. सा.का.जन. 377 (ई), ददनांक 09 अप्रैल, 1987; 44 सा.का.जन. 251 (ई), ददनांक 02 मई 1991; 18. सा.का.जन. 674 (ई), ददनांक 27 जुलाई, 1987; 45. सा.का.जन. 543 (ई), ददनांक 21 मई, 1992; 19. सा.का.जन. 719 (ई), ददनांक 18 अगस्ट्त, 1987; 46. सा.का.जन. 560 (ई), ददनांक 26 मई, 1992; 20. सा.का.जन. 837 (ई), ददनांक 5 अ‍टूबर, 1987; 47. सा.का.जन. 587 (ई), ददनांक 10 जून, 1992; 21. सा.का.जन. 989 (ई), ददनांक 17 ददसंबर, 1987; 48. सा.का.जन. 730 (ई), ददनांक 19 अगस्ट्त, 1992; 22. सा.का.जन. 337 (ई), ददनांक 11 माच,ा 1988; 49. सा.का.जन. 830 (ई), ददनांक 28 अ‍टूबर, 1992; 23. सा.का.जन. 361 (ई), ददनांक 21 माच,ा 1988; 50. सा.का.जन. 62 (ई), ददनांक 11 फरिरी, 1993; 24. सा.का.जन. 626 (ई), ददनांक 17 मई, 1988; 51. सा.का.जन. 80, ददनांक 06 फरिरी, 1993; 25. सा.का.जन. 660 (ई), ददनांक 31 मई, 1988; 52. सा.का.जन. 384 (ई), ददनांक 27 अप्रैल,1993; 26. सा.का.जन. 693 (ई), ददनांक 10 जून, 1988; 53. सा.का.जन. 387 (ई), ददनाकं 28 अप्रैल, 1993; 27. सा.का.जन. 734 (ई), ददनांक 24 जून, 1988; 54. सा.का.जन. 220 (ई), 26 माचा, 2004;[भाग II—खण् ड 3(i)] भारत का राजपत्र : असाधारण 3 55 सा.का.जन. 713 (ई), ददनांक 17 निंबर, 2006; 68. सा.का.जन. 297 (ई), ददनांक 28 माच,ा 2017; 56. सा.का.जन. 193 (ई), ददनांक 01 माच,ा 2007; 69 .सा.का.जन. 314 (ई), ददनांक 31 माच,ा 2017; 57. सा.का.जन. 547 (ई), ददनांक 18 जुलाई, 2008; 70. सा.का.जन. 406 (ई), ददनांक 20 अप्रैल, 2017; 58. सा.का.जन. 49 (ई), ददनांक 27 जनिरी, 2010; 71. सा.का.जन. 439 (ई), ददनांक 2 मई, 2017; 59 सा.का.जन.279 (ई), ददनांक 31 माच,ा 2010; 72. सा.का.जन. 482 (ई), ददनांक 17 मई, 2017; 60. सा.का.जन. 256 (ई), ददनांक 27 माच,ा 2012; 73. सा.का.जन.507 (ई), ददनांक 22 मई, 2017; 61 सा.का.जन. 412 (ई), ददनांक 29 मई, 2012; 74. सा.का.जन. 540 (ई), ददनांक 31 मई, 2017; 62. सा.का.जन. 368 (ई), ददनांक 07 जून, 2013; 75. सा.का.जन. 1131(ई), ददनांक 05 जसतंबर, 2017; 63. सा.का.जन. 506 (ई), ददनांक 24 जुलाई, 2013; 76. सा.का.जन. 129 (ई), ददनांक 06 फरिरी, 2020; 64 सा.का.जन. 18, ददनांक 28 जनिरी, 2014; 77. सा.का.जन. 22 (ई), ददनांक 12 जनिरी, 2021; 65. सा.का.जन. 912 (ई), ददनांक 23 ददसंबर, 2014; 78. सा.का.जन. 126 (ई), ददनांक 18 फरिरी, 2021; तथा 66. सा.का.जन. 653 (ई), ददनांक 25 अगस्ट्त, 2015; 79. सा.का.जन. 498 (ई), ददनांक 01 अप्रैल,2021; 67. सा.का.जन. 241 ददनांक 10 ददसंबर, 2015; MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (Department of Telecommunications) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 27th July, 2021 G.S.R. 510(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, namely: - 1. (1) These rules may be called the Indian Telegraph (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021. (2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. In the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, - (i) in rule 525, in sub-rule (2), in clause (v), after item (n), the following item shall be inserted, namely: - "(o) For provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable connectivity between Mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands, Capital Expenditure incurred by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited as Project Execution Agency shall be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund.”; (ii) in rule 526, for the words, brackets and letters "items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l)), (m) and (n) of clause (v)", the words, brackets and letters “items (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), (n) and (o) of clause (v)" shall be substituted. [F. No. 30-176-3/2020-BB-USF (Vol. III)] NAVNEET GUPTA, Jt. Secy. (Admin)4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] Note: The principal rules were published in the Post and Telegraph Manual Volume I, Legislative Enactments, Part II, Edition and subsequently amended vide notification numbers - 1. G.S.R. 190, dated the 18th February 1984; 41. G.S.R. 985(E), dated the 20th December, 1990; 2. G.S.R. 386, dated the 22nd May, 1984; 42. G.S.R. 74(E), dated the 18th January, 1991; 3. G.S.R. 387(E), dated the 22nd May, 1984; 43. G.S.R. 237(E), dated the 25th April, 1991; 4. G.S.R. 679, dated the30th June, 1984; 44. G.S.R. 251(E), dated the 02nd May, 1991; 5. G.S.R. 428, dated the 27th April, 1985; 45. G.S.R. 543(E), dated the 21st May, 1992; 6 G.S.R 729, dated the 03rd August, 1985; 46. G.S.R. 560(E), dated the 26th May, 1992; 7 G.S.R. 982, dated the 19th October, 1986; 47. G.S.R. 587(E), dated the 10th June, 1992; 8.. G.S.R. 553(E), dated the 27th March, 1986; 48. G.S.R. 730(E), dated the 19th August, 1992; 9. G.S.R. 314, dated the 26th April, 1986; 49. G.S.R. 830(E), dated the 28th October, 1992; 10. G.S.R. 566, dated the 26th July, 1986; 50. G.S.R. 62(E), dated the 11th February, 1993; 11. G.S.R. 953(E), dated the 23rd July, 1986; 51. G.S.R. 80, dated the 06th February, 1993; 12. G.S.R. 1121(E), dated the 01st October, 1986; 52. G.S.R. 384(E), dated the 27th April, 1993; 13. G.S.R. 1167(E), dated the 28th October, 1986; 53. G.S.R. 387(E), dated the 28th April, 1993; 14. G.S.R. 1237(E), dated the 28th November, 1986; 54. G.S.R. 220(E), dated the 26th March, 2004; 15. G.S.R. 49, dated the 17th January, 1987; 55. G.S.R. 713(E), dated the 17th November, 2006; 16. G.S.R. 112(E), dated the 25th February, 1987; 56. G.S.R. 193(E), dated the 01st March, 2007; 17. G.S.R. 377(E), dated the 09th April, 1987; 57. G.S.R. 547(E), dated the 18th July, 2008; 18. G.S.R. 674(E), dated the 27th July, 1987; 58. G.S.R. 49(E), dated the 27 January, 2010; 19. G.S.R. 719(E), dated the18th August, 1987; 59. G.S.R. 279(E), dated the 31st March, 2010; 20. G.S.R. 837(E), dated the 05th October, 1987; 60. G.S.R. 256(E), dated the 27th March, 2012; 21. G.S.R. 989(E), dated the 17th December, 1987; 61. G.S.R. 412(E), dated the 29th May, 2012; 22. G.S.R. 337(E), dated the 11th March, 1988; 62. G.S.R. 368(E), dated the 07th June, 2013; 23. G.S.R. 361(E), dated the 21st March, 1988; 63. G.S.R. 506(E), dated the 24th July, 2013; 24. G.S.R. 626(E), dated the 17th May, 1988; 64. G.S.R. 18, dated the 28th January, 2014; 25. G.S.R. 660(E), dated the 31st May, 1988; 65. G.S.R. 912(E), dated the 23rd December, 2014; 26. G.S.R. 693(E), dated the 10th June, 1988; 66. G.S.R. 653(E), dated the 25th August, 2015; 27. G.S.R. 734(E), dated the 24th June, 1988; 67. G.S.R. 241, dated the 10th December, 2015; 28. G.S.R. 606, dated the 14th July, 1988; 68. G.S.R. 297(E), dated the 28th March, 2017; 29. G.S.R. 812(E), dated the 26th July, 1988; 69. G.S.R. 314(E), dated the 31st March, 2017; 30. G.S.R. 888(E), dated the 01st September, 1988; 70. G.S.R. 406(E), dated the 20th April, 2017; 31. G.S.R. 907(E), dated the 07th September, 1988; 71. G.S.R. 439(E), dated the 02nd May, 2017; 32. G.S.R. 916(E), dated the 09th September, 1988; 72. G.S.R. 482(E), dated the 17th May, 2017; 33. G.S.R. 1054, dated the 02nd November, 1988; 73. G.S.R. 507(E), dated the 22nd May, 2017; 34. G.S.R. 179, dated the 18th March, 1989; 74. G.S.R. 540 (E), dated the 31st May, 2017; 35. G.S.R. 358(E), dated the 15th March, 1989; 75. G.S.R. 1131 (E), dated the 05th September, 2017; 36. G.S.R. 622(E), dated the 15th June, 1989; 76. G.S.R. 129 (E), dated the 06th February, 2020; 37. G.S.R. 865, dated the 29th September, 1989; 77. G.S.R. 22 (E), dated the 12th January, 2021; 38. G.S.R. 413(E), dated the 29th March, 1990; 78. G.S.R. 126 (E), dated the 18th February, 2021; and 39. G.S.R. 574(E), dated the 15th June, 1990; 79. G.S.R. 498 (E) dated the 01st April, 2021; 40. G.S.R. 933(E), dated the 03rd December, 1990; Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.

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