Notification of the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 1951

## Report on the Indian Telegraph Amendment Rules, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Indian Telegraph Amendment Rules, 2022, as notified in the Gazette of India on October 13, 2022. This amendment modifies the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, specifically concerning the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) funding for the Bharat Net project. The key change involves extending USOF funding to include operation and maintenance, first line maintenance, and utilization of Bharat Net (excluding State-led models under Phase II) through Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). This funding covers operational expenditure charges for Bharat Net Phase I network for a period of two years. This amendment aims to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of the Bharat Net infrastructure. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Indian Telegraph Amendment Rules, 2022, based on the official notification published in the Gazette of India. The purpose is to inform stakeholders about the changes introduced to the existing Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, specifically concerning the funding of the Bharat Net project. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The amendment aims to provide financial support for the operation and maintenance of the Bharat Net project, potentially ensuring its continued functionality and accessibility. This can be inferred from the text mentioning "operation and maintenance, first line maintenance and utilisation of Bharat Net" and the allocation of funds from the USOF. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment:** The amendment likely addresses the need for dedicated funding to maintain and operate the Bharat Net Phase I network. The text highlights the provision of USOF funds for "operation and maintenance, first line maintenance and utilisation of Bharat Net," suggesting that these activities may have required additional financial support or a more defined funding mechanism. The two-year period suggests a potential review or transition plan in the future. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces the following specific changes to the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951: * **Specific Part Changed:** Rule 525, sub-rule 2, clause v. * **New Rule/Provision:** A new item "q" is inserted after item "p" in clause "v" of sub-rule 2 of rule 525. This new item "q" stipulates that the operation and maintenance, first line maintenance, and utilisation of Bharat Net (excluding State-led models under Phase II) through Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), operational expenditure charges for said operation and maintenance, first line maintenance of Bharat Net PhaseI network shall be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund for a period of two years. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** This amendment expands the scope of USOF funding to specifically include the operation and maintenance of the Bharat Net Phase I network by BSNL (excluding State-led models under Phase II). This clarifies that BSNL will receive USOF funding for these activities for a defined period of two years. Also the text modifies Rule 526 to include the new item "q" in the references. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the direct target audience and stakeholders include: * **Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL):** As the entity responsible for the operation and maintenance of the specified portion of the Bharat Net network, BSNL is a direct beneficiary of this amendment. * **Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF):** The USOF is responsible for providing the funds for the operation and maintenance activities. * **Department of Telecommunications:** As the issuing authority for these amendments, the DoT has a key role in implementation and oversight. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Department of Telecommunications (issuing authority), Universal Service Obligation Fund (funding provider), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (implementing agency for operation and maintenance). * **Timelines:** The amendment comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (October 13, 2022). The USOF funding for operation and maintenance is specified for a period of two years. * **Specific to the Changes:** The primary implementation aspect is the operationalization of the USOF funding mechanism to provide financial support to BSNL for the specified operation and maintenance activities related to Bharat Net Phase I. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these changes is likely to ensure the continued and effective operation and maintenance of the Bharat Net Phase I network. This, in turn, should contribute to: * Improved service delivery and accessibility of internet services in the areas covered by Bharat Net Phase I. * Financial support and stability for BSNL in maintaining the Bharat Net infrastructure. * Potentially improved utilization of the existing Bharat Net infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The Indian Telegraph Amendment Rules, 2022, represent a significant adjustment to the funding mechanism for the Bharat Net project. By extending USOF funding to cover operation and maintenance activities undertaken by BSNL for the Phase I network, the amendment aims to ensure the project's sustainability and continued provision of connectivity services. This amendment highlights the government's commitment to improving rural connectivity and the important role of BSNL in achieving this goal.

Key Entities Referenced