The Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has welcomed the West Bengal government’s decision to implement the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024. He characterises this move as a pivotal advancement in reinforcing digital infrastructure and facilitating the rollout of BharatNet throughout the state. In a post on X, Scindia expressed gratitude for the state’s alignment with the central government’s telecom regulatory framework, highlighting the potential for enhanced connectivity and improved digital access for the population.

Impact on Connectivity and Service Delivery

Scindia remarked that residents of West Bengal had previously been deprived of fully benefiting from various flagship digital initiatives put forth by the central government. This has allegedly contributed to a slower pace of progress in terms of connectivity compared to other regions in the country. He pointed out that for years, the citizens of Bengal missed out on opportunities associated with transformative national projects, causing the state to fall behind in digital infrastructure development.

He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and through a ‘double-engine governance’ model, the adoption of these rules would substantially enhance last-mile connectivity and refine service provision across West Bengal. Scindia reiterated that this significant step would not only widen digital access but also improve overall service delivery for every citizen in the state.

These remarks followed the West Bengal government’s recent notification regarding the implementation of the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024. The rules will come into effect on January 1, 2025, in accordance with the Telecommunication Act, 2023, as outlined by the state’s Information Technology and Electronics Department on May 15.

Notification and Implementation Details

The notification stated that the rules established by the Government of India must be mandatorily adhered to by all departments, statutory and non-statutory authorities, and parastatal entities under the control of the state government. The governor confirmed that the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, as per the Telecommunication Act, 2023, shall be effective from January 1, 2025, in West Bengal.

Additionally, the notification relayed that the Department of Telecommunications had previously informed the state government about the requisite implementation of these rules, negating the need for a separate adoption process. The rules will thus be enforced without the necessity for prior formal adoption.

Furthermore, the state government has declared that the existing West Bengal Telecom Infrastructure Guidelines, 2023, will be rescinded immediately. This indicates a shift towards uniform compliance with newer regulations aimed at improving telecommunications infrastructure.

Objective of the Telecommunications Rules

The Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, are designed to streamline the permissions and procedures concerning the development and expansion of telecom infrastructure nationwide. Established under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, which replaced the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, these rules seek to consolidate regulations relating to the establishment, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services and networks across India.

This initiative is expected to bring about a more systematic approach to telecom infrastructure development, helping to close existing gaps in connectivity. By aligning with national standards, West Bengal may enhance its digital landscape and ensure that its citizens are better equipped to access modern telecommunications services.

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