**Executive Summary**
This document addresses Unstarred Question No. 570 in the Lok Sabha, answered on December 3, 2025, regarding digital literacy schemes in Badaun. It details the existing mobile internet coverage, government initiatives to expand connectivity, and digital literacy programs in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh. The document also outlines steps for expanding 5G services across the country.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Mobile Internet Coverage:**
* As of October 2025, 1,673 out of 1,678 villages in the Badaun district have mobile internet connectivity.
* Mobile coverage for uncovered inhabited villages is provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
* **Government Initiatives for Expansion of Telecom Connectivity:**
* Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) funds the installation of 4G mobile towers in uncovered villages.
* BharatNet project implements high-speed broadband connectivity through Wi-Fi Hotspots and Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections.
* **Digital Literacy Programs:**
* Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) was launched under the Digital India Programme.
* PMGDISHA led to the training of 6.39 crore individuals across the country, including 3,20,699 in Badaun district.
* 7417 candidates have applied under digital literacy courses provided by NIELIT in Badaun district.
* **Expansion of 5G Services:**
* The government has taken steps for expansion of 5G services, including spectrum auctions.
* Removal of spectrum usage charges for spectrum acquired in auction 2022 onwards.
* Launch of Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal and Right of Way rules to streamline permissions for installation of telecommunication infrastructure.
**Impact Analysis**
**Residents of Badaun District**
* **Impact:** Increased access to mobile internet and broadband connectivity, enhanced digital literacy, and improved access to digital services (education, telemedicine, e-governance).
* **Action Required:** Participate in digital literacy programs and leverage improved connectivity for various services.
**Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)**
* **Impact:** Opportunities to expand network coverage in uncovered villages and implement government-funded projects.
* **Action Required:** Provide mobile coverage to uncovered inhabited villages, participate in government schemes, and comply with new regulations (e.g., Right of Way rules).
**National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT)**
* **Impact:** Increased demand for digital literacy courses.
* **Action Required:** Provide various digital literacy courses to the people of Badaun.
**Government (Ministry of Communications and Department of Telecommunications)**
* **Impact:** Responsible for implementing and overseeing the expansion of telecom connectivity and digital literacy programs.
* **Action Required:** Ensure effective funding and execution of initiatives, streamline processes for infrastructure installation, and monitor progress in Badaun district.
Key Entities Referenced
Badaun: District in Uttar Pradesh, India; focus area for digital literacy schemes and improved telecommunications infrastructure.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): A fund used by the government to implement schemes for the expansion of telecom connectivity, particularly installation of 4G mobile towers in uncovered villages.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): A scheme under the Digital India Programme aimed at achieving digital literacy.
Digital India Programme: National initiative to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
Department of Telecommunications: The department responsible for the policy related to telecommunications.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 570
ANSWERED ON 3RD DECEMBER, 2025
DIGITAL LITERACY SCHEMES IN BADAUN
†570. SHRI ADITYA YADAV:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether many areas especially the rural areas of Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh having a
population of over 31 lakh have weak telecommunications and internet infrastructure leading to
hurdle in access to distance education, telemedicine, e-governance, and business-related digital
services;
(b) if so, the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to expand 4G/5G mobile
network coverage, broadband access to launch affordable digital literacy schemes and to provide
subsidies on telecommunications equipments in Badaun district; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) As of October 2025, 1,673 villages out of 1,678 villages are covered with mobile internet
connectivity in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh.
(b) & (c) Mobile coverage for any uncovered inhabited villages is provided by the Telecom
Service Providers (TSPs) based on the techno-commercial viability. Government, through funding
from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), is implementing various schemes for expansion of telecom
connectivity through installation of 4G mobile towers in uncovered villages.
In addition, BharatNet project is implemented to provide high-speed broadband connectivity
such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections etc. to all the Gram Panchayats
(GPs) and villages on demand basis including Badaun district.
Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) were
launched under the Digital India Programme to achieve digital literacy leading to training of 6.39
crore individuals across the country including 3,20,699 individuals in badaun district. Further, 7417
candidates have applied under various digital literacy courses provided by National Institute of
Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) in Badaun district.
Government has taken various steps for expansion of 5G services across the country
including auction of spectrum for 5G mobile services, removal of spectrum usage charges for
spectrum acquired in auction 2022 onwards, launch of Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal and Right of Way
rules to streamline permissions for installation of telecommunication infrastructure including time
bound permission for use of street furniture for installation of small cells and telecommunication
lines.
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