Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Programme
Context
The Union Minister of Communications will inaugurate the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Programme at Umri village in Madhya Pradesh, aimed at strengthening integrated digital and physical service delivery in rural India.
Concept of the Initiative
- Samriddh Gram is a pilot initiative for “Phygital” governance, combining physical service centres with digital platforms to deliver essential services in villages.
- It proposes the establishment of Samriddhi Kendras, village-level hubs that enable citizens to access multiple services through digital connectivity.
- The programme is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Digital Backbone
- The initiative operates on the BharatNet rural broadband network, one of the largest fibre-based connectivity projects in the world.
- This infrastructure enables high-speed internet access in Gram Panchayats, supporting digital governance and service delivery.
Pilot Implementation Areas
- The project is being tested in three villages with varied socio-economic characteristics:
- Umri
- Narakoduru
- Chaurawala
- Each Samriddhi Kendra will cater to several nearby villages within roughly a 5-km service radius.
Objectives
- To showcase the potential of BharatNet connectivity for delivering integrated services at the grassroots level.
- To create a scalable model of rural digital transformation through coordination between infrastructure, governance platforms, and community engagement.
Operational Components
- Phygital service model: Combines in-person assistance with digital platforms to improve accessibility.
- Village service hubs: Samriddhi Kendras function as single-window centres located in Panchayat Bhawans.
- Integrated service ecosystem: Offers services across multiple sectors including:
- Education and digital skill training
- Agricultural extension and advisory
- Telemedicine and healthcare access
- e-Governance and public service delivery
- Financial inclusion and digital commerce
- Internet access and connectivity services
- Community safety and surveillance solutions
Importance
- Enhances digital inclusion and last-mile public service delivery in rural areas.
- Promotes convergence between digital infrastructure and local governance institutions such as Panchayats.
- Supports India’s broader vision of rural digital empowerment and inclusive development.
Source : PIB