After the successful implementation of JDCP in Jhabua and TDCC in Gujarat, Karnataka and MP, it is now decided to replicate these activities appropriately in different states under the Gramsat Pilot Projects. The major activities under TDCC as well as JDCP are up-gradation of the system, handing over the operations to the user agencies, expansion of the network and the introduction of GRAMSAT Pilot projects with further value added services in other new states under the umbrella of GRAMSAT PROGRAMME.

ISRO’s initiatives (i.e. TDCC and JDCP) have spread to many states in the country. All activities related to satellite based development communication, education, training and health care are grouped under Gramsat Programme (GP). The Gramsat Pilot Projects (GPP) in different states are being executed under its GP with involvement of respective state govt. and NGOs. The GP envisages setting up of satellite based development networks in different states in the country.

The salient features of GP are the communications networks at the state level connecting the state capital to districts and blocks and enabling a reach to villages, providing computer connectivity, data-broadcasting and TV-broadcasting facilities having applications like e-governance, NRIS, development information, teleconferencing, disaster management and rural/education-broadcasting. The concerned state government, its user departments, NGOs are the partners. The networks will be ultimately owned and operated by the concerned state government and utilised by all its user departments. ISRO’s role would be to provide technical assistance and guidance and support in conceptualizing and designing of the network to define hardware configuration and systems parameters and to help in designing the software elements for effective utilisation of the network.

The Gramsat Pilot Project would have an appropriate combination of the following activities:

	Interactive training at district and block levels employing suitable configuration
	Broadcasting services for rural development
	Computer interconnectivity and data exchange services
	Tele-health and Tele-medicine services

With appropriate guidance and support from DECU, these activities would be implemented by a focal agency at the state level. DECU will continue to make efforts to introduce new services, experimentation and demonstration of configurations in each state and assist in operationalisation of services.

PRESENT STATUS

The GPP networks are operational in Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Rajasthan (pilot), and are under implementation for NE-SAC, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa, HP, etc. The planning for Rajasthan (total), Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, UP, MANAGE (Ministry of Agriculture), is in progress.

The Orissa network is being expanded/upgraded for TV broadcasting to KBK region and ITPs for all districts with computer connectivity to all blocks for e-governance, etc. The project is being implemented jointly with NIC.