State sets up district panels to fast-track NBM 2.0 rollout

Chhatrapati Sambhajingar:Maharashtra govt on Wednesday issued a Govt Resolution (GR) to restructure the state broadband committee (SBC) and establish district-level telecommunication committees to ensure implementation of the National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0) in the state.The resolution replaces the earlier framework set up in 2020 and introduces a more structured, multi-tier monitoring mechanism to improve execution efficiency under NBM 2.0.The move aligns with the vision document of NBM 2.0, which outlines revised institutional mechanisms to accelerate broadband expansion and strengthen digital infrastructure between 2025 and 2030. Officials said, "The new framework is aimed at creating a more coordinated and accountable system to meet ambitious connectivity targets."As per the GR, the chief secretary will chair the reconstituted SBC. It will include senior officials from key departments such as information technology, urban development, public works, and forest and environment. Representatives from major telecom stakeholders, including BSNL, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), and the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), will participate as special invitees.Key objectives include facilitating implementation of central guidelines, accelerating digital connectivity for socio-economic development, and ensuring compliance with provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, including Right of Way (RoW) rules.Officials said, "The SBC will also focus on addressing issues related to digital communications infrastructure, enabling the integration of common telecom ducts in state infrastructure projects, and resolving policy-level bottlenecks. The committee has been mandated to monitor and evaluate mission progress through reviews."At the grassroots level, district and municipal telecommunications committees will be constituted under the chairmanship of district collectors. These panels will conduct monthly reviews of broadband rollout, oversee implementation progress, and submit reports to the state-level committee.Authorities said that the creation of district-level bodies is expected to strengthen on-ground coordination among local authorities, police, public works departments, and technical agencies, thereby helping remove bottlenecks in telecom infrastructure deployment, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.