India’s Samriddh Gram Initiative Nominated for WSIS Prizes 2026
Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Samriddh Gram initiative is built on the backbone of BharatNet, the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programme.
Nomination under ‘Enabling Environment’ category highlights global recognition of BharatNet-led rural digital transformation
New Delhi: India’s flagship rural digital empowerment programme, Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model Enabled by BharatNet, has been nominated for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 under the Action Line AL C6: Enabling Environment category.
The nomination marks a significant global recognition of India’s efforts to leverage digital infrastructure for inclusive growth, particularly in rural regions where access to essential services has traditionally been limited, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement on Monday.
Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Samriddh Gram initiative is built on the backbone of BharatNet, the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programme. The initiative operationalises Samriddhi Kendras as integrated service hubs that combine physical infrastructure with digital platforms to deliver a wide range of citizen-centric services.
Through these Kendras, rural communities gain access to healthcare, education, agriculture advisory, governance services, financial inclusion tools, and e-commerce platforms. The model leverages high-speed broadband, FTTH connectivity, and public Wi-Fi to enable applications such as telemedicine, smart classrooms, digital governance, and technology-enabled agriculture.
The initiative reflects a shift in India’s telecom strategy—from mere connectivity provision to enabling socio-economic transformation. Early outcomes indicate improved service accessibility, reduced travel time and costs for rural citizens, enhanced digital literacy, and expanded livelihood opportunities.
Designed as a scalable and sustainable framework, Samriddh Gram is driven by a community-based entrepreneurial model, making it adaptable across diverse geographies in India and potentially replicable in other developing regions.
The public voting phase for WSIS Prizes 2026 is currently open, with stakeholders and citizens invited to support the initiative through the WSIS Stocktaking Platform until May 3, 2026.
The nomination comes close on the heels of the inauguration of India’s first Samriddhi Kendra at Umri village in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, marking a key milestone in expanding phygital service delivery in rural India.
The WSIS Forum, a global multi-stakeholder platform, brings together governments, industry, academia, civil society, and international organisations to advance digital development and inclusive information societies. The WSIS Prizes recognise innovative ICT-led initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
The WSIS Forum 2026 is scheduled to be held in Geneva from July 6 to 10, where global leaders and experts will deliberate on digital inclusion, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and international digital cooperation.
