Cabinet Nod To Set Up Wi-Fi Networks For Public Use Under 'PM-WANI'

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of Wi-Fi networks for public use without licence fee under Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface or PM-WANI.

The public wi-fi access network interface will be known as PM-WANI. The proposal is aimed at promoting growth of public wi-fi networks in the country.

"Cabinet has taken a decision to launch PM- Wi-fi Access Network Interface-to unleash a massive wi-fi network in the country. Public data centres will be opened in the country. There will be no licence, fee or registration for it," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters today.

Among other decisions, the Cabinet also approved the provision of submarine optical fibre cable connectivity between mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands.

Furthermore, it also gave approval to the USOF Scheme for providing mobile coverage in Arunachal Pradesh and two districts of Assam under the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the north-eastern region.

The project will provide mobile coverage to 2,374 uncovered villages.

The Cabinet has also approved Rs 22,810 crore outlay for Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana that aims at encouraging businesses to do fresh hiring. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana, the government will for two years provide employee and employer contribution to the retirement fund for new hires by businesses and entities, Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar said. The scheme would till 2023 entail an outgo of Rs 22,810 crore and would benefit around 58.5 lakh employees.

(With IANS Inputs)