Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021 | 29 Oct 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Central Government has notified the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

• The rule aims to incorporate the provisions related to nominal one-time compensation and uniform procedure for establishment of Overground Telegraph Line in the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016.

Key Points

• About:
  
  • Compensation: The amount of one-time compensation for establishment of an overground telegraph line will be a maximum one thousand rupees per kilometre.
  • Right of Way (RoW): These amendments will ease RoW related permission procedures for establishment and augmentation of digital communications infrastructure across the country.
    
    • Earlier, the RoW Rules had covered only underground Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) and mobile towers.
  • Fees: There will be no fee other than Administrative fee and Restoration charges for establishing, maintaining, transferring or shifting the underground and overground telegraph infrastructure.
• Significance:
  
  • The digital divide between rural-urban and rich-poor will be bridged, in line with the Digital India mission and BharatNet project.
  • E-governance and financial inclusion will be strengthened.
  • Doing business will be easy.
  • Information and communication needs of citizens and enterprises will be fulfilled (including 5G).
  • The dream of India’s transition to a digitally empowered economy and society will be translated into reality.

Source: PIB