Samriddh Gram Project Wins WSIS Prizes 2026

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has received global recognition after its Samriddh Gram Integrated Phygital Services Project won the Global Winner title under the Enabling Environment category at the WSIS Prizes 2026. The award was presented on 9 July 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighting India’s achievements in rural digital transformation and inclusive service delivery. The project leverages the BharatNet broadband network to provide integrated digital and physical public services to rural communities through a unique phygital model.

What is the Samriddh Gram Initiative?

The Samriddh Gram Initiative is an integrated rural digital inclusion programme developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It follows a phygital service delivery model, which combines physical service centres with digital platforms to ensure easy access to essential public and private services.

The initiative establishes Samriddhi Kendras, which function as one-stop rural service hubs. These centres offer a wide range of services, including:

• Telemedicine and healthcare
• Digital education and skill development
• Smart agriculture advisory
• E-governance services
• Financial inclusion and digital banking
• E-commerce support
• Public safety and citizen services

The project aims to bridge the digital divide by making technology-enabled services accessible to rural citizens.

BharatNet Powers Rural Digital Connectivity

The Samriddh Gram model is built on BharatNet, India’s flagship rural broadband programme that connects Gram Panchayats with high-speed internet. Using BharatNet’s digital infrastructure, each Samriddhi Kendra delivers last-mile connectivity and serves multiple villages within a 5-kilometre radius.

Pilot implementation has been carried out in:

• Umri, Guna district, Madhya Pradesh
• Narakoduru, Andhra Pradesh
• Chaurawala, Uttar Pradesh

The initiative also promotes community participation, with the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) supporting field operations, digital literacy, and local mobilisation to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

WSIS Prizes and Global Recognition

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes recognise innovative projects that promote digital development and inclusive access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). The awards are administered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations specialised agency headquartered in Geneva.

The Enabling Environment category honours initiatives that strengthen digital ecosystems through better connectivity, policy support, and innovative service delivery. Samriddh Gram’s recognition reflects India’s growing leadership in rural digital transformation and digital public infrastructure.

Samriddh Gram; Important Facts for Exams

• Samriddh Gram Integrated Phygital Services Project won the WSIS Prizes 2026 Global Winner award.
• The award was received under the Enabling Environment category.
• The project is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Phygital refers to the integration of physical infrastructure with digital services.
• BharatNet is one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity projects, connecting Gram Panchayats with high-speed internet.
• Samriddhi Kendras provide services such as telemedicine, e-governance, education, financial inclusion, smart agriculture, and e-commerce.
• Pilot projects are located in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was established in 1865 and became a UN specialised agency in 1947.
• Geneva, Switzerland, is the headquarters of the ITU.
• The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) supports community mobilisation and field implementation of the project.