Content:
1. National Digital Communication Policy, 2018 and its key developments
2. National Cooperative Policy
National Digital Communication Policy, 2018 and its key developments
Overview
- Launch Year: 2018
- Vision: To establish a resilient, secure, accessible, and affordable digital communication infrastructure.
- Objective: Digital empowerment and vibrant digital ecosystem.
Relevance : GS 2 (Governance)
Key Achievements (2018–2024)
Infrastructure Expansion:
- Optical Fiber Cable Network: 17.5 lakh km (2018) → 41.9 lakh km (2024).
- Base Transceiver Stations: 19.8 lakh (2018) → 29.4 lakh (2024).
Broadband and Mobile Connectivity:
- Villages with Mobile Connectivity: 6,22,840 of 6,44,131 villages (2024).
- Broadband Subscribers: 48 crore (2018) → 94 crore (2024).
- Data Usage: 8.32 GB/month (2018) → 21.30 GB/month (2024).
- Tariff Reduction: ₹10.91/GB (2018) → ₹8.31/GB (2024).
Digital Bharat Nidhi (formerly USOF):
- BharatNet expansion: ₹1,39,579 crore for broadband to 2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats and 3.8 lakh villages.
Satellite Communication Reforms (2022)
- Simplified regulatory framework.
- Encouraged private sector participation in satellite systems.
- Connected 5,474 Gram Panchayats via satellites.
- Defined methodology for assigning spectrum for satellite-based services under Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Regulatory Reforms
TRAI’s Role:
- Established in 1997 as an independent regulator.
- Issued directives to promote competition and transparency.
Impact
- Improved digital inclusivity and affordability.
- Accelerated deployment of 5G services.
- Enabled remote and underserved area connectivity through satellite.
National Cooperative Policy
Overview
- Ministry Formation: July 2021, operating under Cooperative Federalism principles.
- Objective: Strengthen rural cooperatives without infringing on state autonomy.
Relevance:GS 2 (Governance)
Key Developments
- National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC)
- Established: 2024, as a Type II Non-Deposit Taking NBFC.
- Purpose: Enhance Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) through:
- Unified Technology Platform for UCBs to match national-level banks’ services.
- Support for regulatory compliance, risk management, and financing.
- Promoting financial stability and resource efficiency.
Legal Framework
- State Cooperative Societies: Governed by respective State/UT laws.
- Multi-State Co-operative Societies (MSCS): Regulated under MSCS Act, 2002.
Major Initiatives (Annexure-I)
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) Initiatives
- Computerization of PACS:
- ₹2,516 crore project for ERP-based software linking PACS with NABARD, StCBs, and DCCBs.
- Aims: Efficiency via Common Accounting System (CAS) & Management Information System (MIS).
- Model Bye-Laws for PACS:
- Enables multipurpose activities, inclusive membership, and improved governance.
- Expansion of PACS/ Dairy/ Fishery Cooperatives:
- Establishing new cooperatives in uncovered Panchayats with support from NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, etc.
- Decentralized Grain Storage Plan:
- Warehouses, processing units, and agri-infrastructure at PACS level.
- Convergence of government schemes like AIF, SMAM, PMFME.
- PACS as Common Service Centers (CSCs):
- Offering 300+ e-services like banking, insurance, Aadhaar, health services, etc.
PACS Diversification
- Retail Petrol/Diesel Outlets:
- Inclusion in Combined Category 2 for retail outlet allotments.
- LPG Distributorship:
- PACS eligible for LPG distributorships to expand economic activities.
- PM Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra:
- Operating Jan Aushadhi Kendras for rural access to affordable generic medicines.
- PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras:
- PACS to provide fertilizers and related services to farmers.
Other Key PACS Roles
- Micro-ATMs for Financial Inclusion:
- Dairy/Fisheries cooperatives as Bank Mitras with doorstep financial services.
- Convergence with PM-KUSUM:
- Promotion of solar water pumps and photovoltaic module installations.
- O&M of Rural Water Supply Schemes:
- PACS eligible for operations and maintenance under Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Impact
- Strengthened financial and operational framework for UCBs and PACS.
- Enhanced rural employment, financial inclusion, and cooperative diversification.
- Improved governance and transparency in cooperative functioning.
- This policy promotes rural economic development through cooperative empowerment.
