Bridging the Digital Divide: Union Minister Launches First ‘Samriddhi Kendra’ in Guntur

A strategic initiative under the Bharat Net Udyami scheme, the new facility in Narakoduru aims to bring a suite of essential digital, health, and agricultural services to rural doorsteps.

Guntur — In a move aimed at decentralizing public service delivery and curbing rural-to-urban migration, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, inaugurated the first ‘Samriddhi Kendra’ in Narakoduru village of Guntur district this past Saturday. The facility, established under the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) Bharat Net Udyami scheme, is designed to serve as a comprehensive hub for rural empowerment.

The inauguration, attended by Ponnuru MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar, marked the launch of a pilot project that represents a broader vision for the nation’s interior. Speaking at the event, the Union Minister noted that the centre is structured to turn rural aspirations into tangible opportunities by consolidating essential services under one roof. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s objective of creating sustainable employment within local communities, effectively reducing the necessity for villagers to seek work in metropolitan hubs.

A Multi-Service Ecosystem

The newly opened centre features 11 distinct service divisions tailored to the needs of the local population. Beyond standard digital public services—such as Aadhaar updates, passport applications, utility payments, and mobile recharges—the facility offers high-speed FTTH broadband and Quad Play connectivity. The minister highlighted the integration of a ‘Health ATM,’ capable of performing 60 different diagnostic tests at a fraction of the market cost, alongside a Jan Aushadhi Kendra where medications are provided at nearly half the retail price.

The project also leans heavily into modernizing the local economy. Farmers in the region will now have access to advanced agricultural support, including expert guidance from scientists, soil testing facilities, and drone-based spraying services. During the ceremony, 100 local farmers were provided with PMDS seeds, while 15 students were awarded certificates for successfully completing AI training modules conducted at the Kendra.

A Model for National Expansion

The Narakoduru facility is one of three pilot projects currently being implemented by the Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) across India. By forming partnerships with specialized entities—including the Digital Empowerment Foundation for sites in Madhya Pradesh, I-Novate Infotech for operations in Uttar Pradesh, and Corpus Enterprises—the government intends to test diverse operational models for these centres.

MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar praised the initiative for its potential to provide youth, women, and students with the digital infrastructure necessary to participate in the modern economy. As the project enters its operational phase, the success of this Guntur-based hub will likely serve as a blueprint for the Department of Telecommunications as it looks to scale the Samriddhi Kendra model across other underserved regions of the country.