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.