Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021

WHY IN THE 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 the establishment of Overground Telegraph Line in the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016.

About:

• Compensation: The amount of one-time compensation for the establishment of an overground telegraph line will be a maximum of one thousand rupees per kilometre.
• Right of Way (RoW): These amendments will ease RoW related permission procedures for the 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.