BharatNet phase two way behind schedule: Progress in these states worst

The second phase of the government’s ambitious BharatNet project is also lagging way behind the schedule after a delay in phase one of its implementation. Against a target of providing connectivity to 1.5 lakh gram panchayats, just 7.45% of the goal has been achieved so far, The Indian Express reported. Four states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha, are among the worst performers with the number of service ready gram panchayats not even breaching 1%, the national daily reported. However, these states have spent about 17% of the total budget allotted for the project.