The Maharashtra government has issued a major policy push aimed at accelerating digital infrastructure expansion, announcing the formation of district-level telecommunications committees as part of efforts to fast-track the implementation of National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0.
According to an official Government Resolution (GR), the state has restructured its State Broadband Committee (SBC) and introduced a multi-tier monitoring system to strengthen execution and improve coordination across departments.
The move replaces the earlier framework established in 2020, marking a significant administrative overhaul aligned with the NBM 2.0 vision (2025–2030), which focuses on expanding high-speed broadband connectivity across urban, semi-urban, and rural regions.
Key changes in the new framework
The reconstituted State Broadband Committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary, and will include senior officials from departments such as IT, Urban Development, Public Works, and Environment, along with representatives from key telecom stakeholders including BSNL, COAI, and ISPAI.
Officials said the revamped structure aims to ensure faster implementation of central guidelines, improved digital connectivity, and removal of infrastructure bottlenecks.
A major highlight of the reform is the creation of district and municipal-level telecom committees, which will be chaired by District Collectors.
These committees will:
- Conduct monthly reviews of broadband rollout progress
- Monitor on-ground implementation of telecom infrastructure
- Submit regular progress reports to the state-level committee
- Help resolve local-level infrastructure and Right of Way (RoW) issues
Focus on rural and semi-urban connectivity
Authorities said the new district panels are expected to play a crucial role in improving coordination between local bodies, police, public works departments, and technical agencies, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where deployment challenges are higher.
The state government has emphasized that the upgraded system is designed to create a more accountable, coordinated, and time-bound execution mechanism for achieving the ambitious targets under NBM 2.0, which seeks to significantly enhance India’s digital connectivity landscape in the coming years.
The initiative is also aligned with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, including compliance with Right of Way rules, which are considered critical for telecom infrastructure expansion.
Objective: faster digital India rollout
Officials stated that the overarching goal of the reform is to ensure faster rollout of broadband infrastructure, improved service delivery, and stronger digital inclusion, particularly in underserved regions.
The new structure is expected to reduce delays, streamline approvals, and enhance monitoring of mission progress at both state and district levels.
