Samriddhi Kendra under BharatNet (Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot)
Why in news
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village under the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications.
Samriddhi Kendra – key features
One-stop rural service hub located in Panchayat Bhawan.
Based on a “phygital” model – integration of physical service centres + digital platforms.
Designed to improve access to services in rural areas using high-speed broadband.
Major services provided
Education and skill development
Agriculture advisory services
Telemedicine and healthcare access
E-governance services
Financial inclusion services
E-commerce access for rural entrepreneurs
Pilot villages under Samriddh Gram initiative
The pilot programme is implemented in three states:
Each Samriddhi Kendra serves villages within ~5 km radius.
Objective: Test feasibility of integrated digital rural service delivery in different socio-economic contexts.
State | Village | District |
Madhya Pradesh | Umri | Guna |
Andhra Pradesh | Narakoduru | Guntur |
Uttar Pradesh | Chaurawala | Muzaffarnagar |
Link with BharatNet
The initiative leverages BharatNet, which aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats in India.
BharatNet highlights
One of the largest rural broadband projects in the world.
Implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Uses optical fibre network to connect Gram Panchayats.
Enables digital governance, education, telemedicine, and rural entrepreneurship.
Implementation partners
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) – programme implementation.
Digital Empowerment Foundation – field operations and community mobilisation.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative, consider the following statements:
It is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications.
The pilot programme covers villages in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
It aims to provide rural services exclusively through digital platforms without physical infrastructure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Statement 3 is incorrect because the initiative follows a phygital model (physical + digital), not purely digital.