Source: PIB
Subject: Government Initiative
Context: The Union Minister of Communications is set to inaugurate the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project at Umri village in Madhya Pradesh.
About Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative:
What it is?
- Samriddh Gram is a pilot project for integrated Phygital (Physical + Digital) service delivery in rural areas.
- It aims to create village-level service hubs called Samriddhi Kendras that provide multiple citizen services using digital connectivity.
Implemented by: the Department of Telecommunications.
Part of Initiative:
- Built on the digital infrastructure of BharatNet, one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity projects.
Pilot Locations:
The pilot project is being implemented in three villages representing diverse socio-economic contexts:
- Umri
- Narakoduru
- Chaurawala
Each Samriddhi Kendra is designed to serve multiple villages within a 5 km radius.
Aim:
- To demonstrate the use of BharatNet connectivity for delivering integrated public services at the village level.
- To develop a replicable model for rural digital transformation through convergence of digital infrastructure, governance services, and community participation.
Key Features:
- Phygital service delivery: Combines physical service centres with digital platforms to improve accessibility in rural areas.
- Samriddhi Kendra model: A one-stop village service hub located at the Panchayat Bhawan.
- Multi-sector service integration: Provides services across multiple domains such as:
- Education and skill development
- Agriculture advisory
- Health and telemedicine
- e-Governance services
- Financial inclusion and e-commerce
- Digital connectivity and access
- Safety and surveillance systems
- BharatNet-enabled connectivity: Uses high-speed rural broadband infrastructure to deliver services efficiently.
- Community participation: Local engagement and awareness programmes ensure effective adoption.
Significance:
- Strengthens digital access and public service delivery in villages.
- Integrates digital services with local governance institutions like Panchayats.
