Context:
‘Smart Gram Panchayat’ launched to extend PM-WANI Service in Gram Panchayats.
Smart Gram Panchayat:
- Launched by – Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
- Aim – Digital empowerment of Grameen Bharat (rural India) by extending PM WANI Scheme.
- Funded under – Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
- Significance – Bridge rural-urban digital divide and foster accountability and efficiency in local self-governance
PM WANI:
- PM WANI – To aid penetration of public WiFi hotspots throughout the nation, especially in rural areas.
- Launched by – Department of Telecom
- Part of – India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
- 4 elements of the Scheme –
- Public Data Office (PDO) – Entity that establishes, maintains, and operates the Wi-Fi hotspot and provides last-mile connectivity to the users
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) – Entity that provides aggregation services, such as authorization and accounting, to PDOs, and facilitates them in providing services to the end users.
- App Provider – Entity that develops an application to register users and discover and display PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots
- Central Registry – Entity that maintains the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs.
Significance:
- Takes forward the goal of National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP)
- Facilitate ease of doing business
- Encourage local shops and small establishments to become Wi-Fi providers
- Last-mile Public Wi-Fi providers under the scheme require no license, no registration and will not need to pay any fees
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Aadhar is neither a proof of citizenship nor of domicile.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Aadhaar number can be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.
