Government of India Proposes 38% Increase in Ministry of Communications Outlay to Rs 73,990 Crore

Key facts

• The Government of India has proposed to increase the budget outlay for the Ministry of Communications to Rs 73,990 crore.
• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been allocated Rs 28,473 crore for capital infusion, spectrum costs, and network rollout.
• The total telecom allocation grew from a Revised Estimate (RE) of Rs 53,000 crore in the previous year to the current proposed Rs 73,990 crore.
• The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for BSNL increased by approximately 9%, rising from Rs 90 to Rs 99.
• The government has earmarked Rs 1,39,000 crore for the BharatNet rural broadband project.
• BSNL plans to utilise the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) injection along with internal cash flows for its resurgence path.
• The budget for the Development of the North East Region (NER) increased by nearly 50%, from an RE of Rs 4,495 crore to Rs 6,800 crore.
• Development projects for the NER include the deployment of 4,000 e-buses and the establishment of five Buddhist circuits across six states.