DoT’s Samriddh Gram Wins WSIS Prize 2026 for Driving Rural Digital Transformation

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India has secured the prestigious WSIS Prize 2026 for the its flagship Samriddh Gram: Integrated Phygital Service Delivery Model which is enabled by the BharatNet initiative. This award was presented during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment.

What Is Samriddh Gram?

Samriddh Gram is the Department of Telecommunications flagship rural digital transformation initiative which is built on the BharatNet broadband network.

This program aims to convert the digital connectivity into meaningful socio-economic opportunities by establishing the Samriddhi Kendras in villages across India.

These centers act as the integrated “phygital” service hubs, it combining digital platforms with the assisted physical services so that even citizens with limited digital literacy can access the various government and private services easily.

By integrating the multiple services under one roof, this program seeks to improve the quality of life, boost financial inclusion and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural India.

Why Did Samriddh Gram Win the WSIS Prize 2026?

This project was declared the Global Winner under Action Line C6 – Enabling Environment, it is one of the categories of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026.

The WSIS Prizes, instituted under the WSIS process that is led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), it recognize the innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects which contributes to the sustainable development.

Samriddh Gram program has impressed the international jury by showcasing how robust telecom infrastructure, digital public platforms, and community participation can work together to improve the public service delivery in the rural areas.

Its success also reflects the India’s growing role as a global leader in the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

How BharatNet Powers Samriddh Gram

The central part of Samriddh Gram lies BharatNet, it is one of the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity projects.

According to the Department of Telecommunications, BharatNet has already made more than 2.17 lakh Gram Panchayats service-ready and online, it significantly expanded internet access across the rural parts of India.

This high-speed broadband infrastructure enables the Samriddhi Kendras to delivers the wide range of digital services efficiently, it ensuring that remote villages receive the same opportunities available in urban areas.

The initiative showcases how reliable internet connectivity can become the catalyst for inclusive development.

Services Available Through Samriddhi Kendras

Samriddhi Kendras function as the comprehensive village-level digital service centers, it offering multiple citizen-centric services, such as,

• Healthcare Services
• Education and Skill Development
• Agriculture Support
• Financial Inclusion and Governance

Together, these services strengthen the local economies while enhancing digital inclusion.

Selection Among the Top Five Champion Projects

Final evaluation by the WSIS Expert Committee

Around more than 2.2 million votes were cast globally across the all the nominated projects, it reflecting the worldwide interest in digital development initiatives.

Among the 18 award categories, only two Indian projects were selected as the Champion Projects, with Samriddh Gram ultimately emerging as the Global Winner in its category.