Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics BISAG-N: Powering Tech-Driven Governance

Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics BISAG-N: Powering Tech-Driven Governance

Policy Update
Arushi Jain

Background

The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N) is a self-sufficient scientific society functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India. BISAG-N was originally established in Gujarat as the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG); in 2020 the institute became a national institute. The change in status to national institute was a significant change offering BISAG-N a national mandate to develop technological applications for governance, education, and planning.

BISAG-N plays a key role across sectors associated with geospatial technologies, satellite communication and emerging information and communication technology (ICT) tools. The institute also supports the Digital India mission by offering programmatic insight and scalable digital infrastructure for ministries, departments and state governments.


Functioning

BISAG-N works through a modular project-based engagement system. It works with departments and organisations at the central and state governments, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, and research agencies. 

  • Geo-spatial Applications: BISAG-N develops Geographic Information System tools for applications in agriculture, disaster management, natural resource management, urban development, and environmental protection. These applications allow spatial datasets to be utilised for real-time reasoning and decision-making.
  • Satellite Communication: BISAG-N’s Satellite Communication network facilitates the delivery of educational and training content, using Indian satellites such as GSAT-15 and GSAT-30. This helps initiatives such as VANDE Gujarat and Swayam Prabha to enable virtual classrooms for remote, underserved areas.
  • Software Development: The institute develops an open-source, interoperable software platform customised for the various requirements of each ministry. These software systems support activities such as project monitoring and budgets, service delivery systems, governance dashboards and online grievance or complaint redressal.
  • Emerging Technology Integration: BISAG-N integrates diverse technologies into its services, e.g., Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Big Data, etc. These technologies are then applied in multi-disciplinary areas from education and agriculture to crime and public finance.
  • Capacity Building: The institute provides workshops, seminars, training programs and internships to build human resource capacity using digital geospatial technologies. BISAG-N also supports a Finishing School model designed to build workforce capacity for digital geospatial applications.


Performance

In FY 2024, BISAG-N has successfully executed over 550 projects across 29 different central ministries and across 19 different states/Union Territories. 

Notable collaborations and outputs include:

  • the assistance provided to the Ministry of Jal Shakti in river basin planning using satellite imagery and hydrological modelling tools, during fiscal year (FY) 2021.
  • During 2020–21, when the COVID-19 pandemic had struck India, BISAG-N delivered digital learning content to over 1.5 crore students via satellite communication (SATCOM), helping the Ministry of Education.
  • As of August 2023, BISAG-N and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India have been using geospatial audit tools, utilising satellite data and artificial intelligence to monitor public infrastructure works.
  • As of March 2023, the institute supported and contributed over 1,450 Geographic Information Systems layers into the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan, improving inter-ministerial coordination on infrastructure development.
  • Several states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir, have created local geospatial technology ‘Centres of Excellence’ through support from BISAG-N.
  • The institute is currently managing over 20 satellite communication classrooms and has established a national data centre, along with Direct-to-Mobile communication pilots to deliver learning.


Impact

BISAG-N’s technology solutions have influenced various elements of governance and service delivery to the public:

  • Improved Transparency and Efficiency:

BISAG-N has enhanced business monitoring, real-time tracking, and improved transparency in welfare schemes and infrastructure programs. For instance, its work with the Ministry of Rural Development has enabled real-time monitoring of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) works across districts.

With the help of tools like satellite imagery and GIS provided by BISAG-N, decision-makers can now identify gaps in implementation and leakages in fund utilisation. Similarly, BISAG-N has supported the Jal Jeevan Mission (by the Ministry of Jal Shakti) by mapping household water access data that guide state-level planning.

  • Disaster Management support:

Satellite models have assisted the Central Water Commission (CWC) in forecasting floods, particularly during 2020 and 2021 monsoons. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) of the state of Gujarat utilises BISAG-N’s real-time geospatial platforms to provide pre-warnings for cyclones, track flood zones, and prepare pre-evacuation plans.

In addition to this, the institute has facilitated remote sensing-enabled drought appraisal to map rainfall deficiency and soil moisture—facilities important for agricultural planning and relief distribution in regions such as Maharashtra and Odisha.

  • Digital Equity in Education and Learning: 

With its SATCOM network and Vande Gujarat channels, BISAG-N has exceptionally expanded access to quality education to previously under-served areas. During COVID-19, BISAG-N collaborated with the Ministry of Education and state departments to deliver more than 200 hours of teaching telecast per week, mainly for children in rural Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and tribal belts of Chhattisgarh.

Credibility should be given to BISAG-N for empowering Jammu & Kashmir’s Digital J&K Vision in 2024–2025. BISAG-N  provided the digital backbone in J&K related to teacher training, broadcasting e-content courses to students in rural J&K, and access to digital learning through the Diksha and SWAYAM platforms that impacted in closing the rural–urban digital divide.

  • Environmental Monitoring: 

The centre’s geospatial platforms offer monitoring deforestation, industrial pollution, and capture wildlife movement patterns for shaping corporate policies and biodiversity conservation. A great impact was in 2023, aiding the pilot project of the National Board for Wildlife. BISAG-N’s geospatial mapping supported the delineation of elephant corridors in Jharkhand and Odisha. This facilitated evidence-based decisions to minimise human–wildlife conflict and guide infrastructure development away from critical biodiversity zones

  • Support to Flagship Schemes: 

BISAG-N’s geospatial dashboards and decision tools have enhanced the implementation of schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Smart Cities Mission, and Ayushman Bharat.


Emerging Challenges

BISAG-N is facing a number of challenges in spite of its accomplishments: 

  • Infrastructural Challenges:  Many states don’t have the technology building blocks necessary to take advantage of BISAG-N. On the other hand, Gujarat being a harbour in the digital ecosystem is an example for different states to encompass these advantages.
  • Data Diversification: Many departments house data that cannot be easily combined because of formatting misalignment, preventing the agencies from using an integrated analytical response.
  • Technological Changes: Technology is evolving quickly and the challenges of having to modernise data systems, as well as having to train new employees, will be ongoing for years to come. There is also a shortage of skilled research professionals in the field.
  • Political Challenges: The continuity of projects may depend on political willingness and the funding of which may change unexpectedly, especially at the state level.


Way Forward

To maximise on its progress and to mitigate the constraints, BISAG-N should introduce the following projects:

  • Sustain SATCOM Nationally: Follow the Gujarat model by localising learning content and creating the capacity to broadcast this learning through satellite from each of the states in India. 
  • Establish National Geospatial Data Framework: Create a central, secure and interoperable geospatial data base providing access to data sharing and development of national spatial policies.
  • Collaborate with Academia and Industry: Collaborate with the Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology and fledgling geospatial start ups to develop applications using the technologies.
  • Upskill the Workforce: Coordinate and facilitate standardised training modules and certification pathway programs to develop human capital in the context of digital governance and spatial technologies.
  • Enhance Governance Protocols: Coordinate with organisations to frame policy  guidelines on ethical data use, accountability in artificial intelligence contexts and public data rights. 

BISAG-N is well poised to amass its influence nationally in relation to effective technology-enabled governance; that is accountable, transparent, inclusive and responsive, by implementing reforms and expanding its reach.


References

  • Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics. (n.d.). Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N). https://bisag-n.gov.in/
  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. (n.d.). Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N). https://www.meity.gov.in/
  • Press Information Bureau. (2021, October 7). Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N) provides satellite communication network support for education and governance. Government of India. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1770294


About The Contributor
Arushi Jain is a Research Intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) and is in the final year of her Master’s degree in International Studies from Symbiosis School of International Studies, Pune. Her interest lies in analysing domestic and foreign policies of countries globally.

Acknowledgement
I sincerely thank Aasthaba Jadeja for assigning this work and providing consistent support throughout. I am also grateful to Anushka Verma, Anto Mariya and Anshu Saroha for their valuable reviews and critical insights.  

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

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