Chandigarh, Sept. 19 -- Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi on Friday announced that the state has digitally connected 5,154 out of 6,222 gram panchayats under the BharatNet initiative, successfully activating 45,130 fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections.

The chief secretary reviewed telecom infrastructure applications, clearances, 5G expansion, and the protection of underground utility networks while evaluating broadband initiatives at the state committee meeting on Friday.

An official spokesperson said Haryana has been allocated Rs.150 crore under part 6 of the centre government's scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for 2026-27, contingent upon achieving six specified telecom reform milestones. The...