The Indian government has approved the discussion of a private member’s bill aimed at providing every citizen with free internet access, ensuring equitable availability for residents of India’s remote and underdeveloped areas.
“No citizen shall be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges or expenses which may prevent him or her from accessing internet facilities,” the bill has proposed.
In December 2023, CPI(M) member, V Sivadasan, introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha. India’s Telecom Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has since reportedly informed the Rajya Sabha secretary-general of the president's recommendation and has encouraged the House to consider the bill.
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Private members’ bills that involve expenditure from the exchequer necessitate the president's permission. The relevant ministry facilitates this process.
The Bill asserts that every citizen should possess the entitlement to free internet access. It mandates that the respective government should ensure universal internet accessibility for all citizens, with special provisions aimed at granting equal access to individuals residing in economically disadvantaged and geographically remote areas of the country.
The Bill aims to broaden the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression for all citizens by ensuring free access to the internet. It also aims to eliminate the digital divide within society.
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Since the Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression for all citizens, access to the internet is essential for exercising these rights along with other fundamental human rights. It suggests that the central government should either directly offer internet access to all citizens or fully subsidize services provided by any service provider to ensure universal internet access. Additionally, it recommends that funds should be allocated to states as grants-in-aid to support the implementation of these provisions.
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