Source: The post is based on an article “Empowering Gati Shakti” published in Business Standard on 3rd November 2022.
Syllabus: GS 3 – Information Technology
Relevance: reforms in Internet connectivity and its benefits
News: The article discusses the importance of telecommunication in the development of India and Gati Shakti.
What is Gati Shakti and what are its aims?
Gati Shakti or the National Master Plan for logistics development on a digital platform was introduced in October 2021.
It is based on the recommendations of the National Transport Development Policy Committee in January 2014.
It establishes digitised institutional processes for comprehensive, integrated project planning and execution to assist ministries and infrastructure sectors. Thus, aiming at more efficient outcomes at reduced cost and time for logistics.
Gati Shakti also includes digitised database and portal along with geographic positioning capabilities. However, the effectiveness of Gati Shakti platform depends on telecommunications reform.
What does the different reports highlight on the importance of telecommunication?
A study conducted by World bank shows the importance of telecommunications (and electricity) for growth.
Further a report published by Asian Development Bank confirms that internet and mobile density contribute to their high rate of growth in India and China.
Therefore, there is a need to change the policy for telecommunication as it impacts many sectors.
Which sectors have impact of telecommunication?
Environmental care & climate mitigation: Effective broadband coverage and shared networks improve both.
Education and work life: Effective broadband coverage will enable learning in rural areas and provide employment opportunities.
There are other areas such as e-commerce, distributed healthcare, government services, entertainment where broadband services are required.
Therefore, there is a need to bring the reform in the policy to enable the use of internet services on wide-range.
What are the reforms required?
First, there is a need for inexpensive, higher capacity connectivity by enabling spectrum usage for wireless and shared networks.
Second, there is a need to increase the network coverage along with high-speed wireless network at a reduced cost.
Third, India has enabled restricted use of 60 GHz but government should permit telcos to use 60 and 70-80 GHz “mmWave” technology for pay-for-use backhaul with no extra cost (auctions, extra taxes).
- This would provide huge service and cost benefits in India as in San Francisco and London.
Fourth, there a need to establish easier access to spectrum for authorised institutions and researchers so that India’s R&D for commercial and defence is free from any obstacle.
Moreover, the features of Gati Shakti portal should also be changed to cater the demand of the users while balancing the security of the portal.
Therefore, there is a need to develop effective telecommunication policy to improve the infrastructure gap and increase the productivity and efficiency of Gati Shakti.
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