Ensuring high-speed digital connectivity in border and remote areas is top priority: Chief Secretary
All urban local bodies, corporations and public sector undertakings directed to adopt New Right of Way Rules-2024 within prescribed timeline
Land allocation and pending approvals for 4G Saturation Project to be resolved in mission mode
Directions to ensure 100 per cent availment of Rs 150 crore incentive under Special Assistance Scheme
Jaipur, September 2026 : The 18th meeting of the State Broadband Committee was held at the Government Secretariat on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas. The meeting reviewed in detail the strengthening of digital infrastructure across the State, reforms to be undertaken under the Central Government’s Special Assistance for Capital Investment Scheme 2026-27, implementation of the Telecommunications Right of Way Rules-2024, and the 4G Saturation Project.
Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas said that ensuring access to digital services and uninterrupted internet connectivity in remote, tribal and villages adjoining the international border (Vibrant Villages) is the State Government’s top priority. He said that people should not be deprived of the benefits of government schemes and digital services due to lack of connectivity.
Directions to expedite RoW Reforms and Single Window system-
Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas directed that the new Right of Way (RoW) Rules, effective from January 1, 2025, be mandatorily adopted by all urban local bodies, corporations and public sector undertakings in the State by September 30. The meeting was informed that seven major departments have already been integrated with the State RoW Portal and that the integration of the remaining institutions should also be completed at the earliest. He made it clear that the system of offline applications should be completely discontinued and all processes should be carried out transparently through the State RoW Portal.
Rs 150 Crore incentive target under Special Assistance Scheme-
The meeting was informed that under the Special Assistance Scheme of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, 100 per cent of all pending RoW applications as of March 31, 2026 have already been disposed of. The Chief Secretary expressed satisfaction that the average disposal time for RoW permissions has been maintained at less than 45 days, with the current average being around 32 days. He directed that the remaining formalities, including execution of the amended BharatNet Project Addendum and timely implementation of the Common Application Form and consolidated billing system by the Energy Department, be completed within the prescribed timeline so that the State can receive the entire incentive amount of Rs 150 crore.
4G Saturation: District Collectors directed to expedite land allocation-
Reviewing the 4G saturation project funded by the Department of Telecommunications, the Chief Secretary directed that in districts where allocation of revenue land for mobile towers is pending—particularly Udaipur, Bikaner, Barmer and Jaisalmer—District Collectors should take personal interest and ensure its early resolution. He said that uncovered villages in border districts, including Barmer and Sri Ganganagar, should be connected to the network on the highest priority.
Directions to provide practical solutions to industry issues-
Taking a positive approach to the issues raised by telecommunications service providers during the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to consider refunding the processing fee in cases where applications have been rejected by local bodies. He also directed that the smart metering and group billing processes be streamlined and that mobile tower installations should not be unilaterally stayed in the absence of a lawful hearing or on the basis of groundless complaints. Such cases should be disposed of at the level of the District Collector strictly in accordance with the RoW Rules and guidelines.
He also directed that the charges for laying cables in Smart City ducts and municipal areas be kept practical and standardised to ensure optimum utilisation of the infrastructure.
Secretary, Information Technology and Communication Department, Shri Ravi Kumar Surpur, Commissioner, Information Technology and Communication Department, Shri Himanshu Gupta, representatives of the Department of Telecommunications, and officers of the Energy Department, Panchayati Raj Department, Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Rajasthan Housing Board, Rajasthan Transport Department, Rajasthan Police Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and Revenue Department were present at the meeting. Office-bearers of the Cellular Operators Association of India and the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association joined the meeting through video conference.
