Raipur/New Delhi: In a significant push to strengthen digital infrastructure in remote and conflict-affected regions, the Central Government is planning to install 4,000 new BSNL mobile towers in Naxalite-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. This was announced by Union Minister of State for Telecommunications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar during his three-day visit to the state.
Project Aims to Bridge the Digital Divide
Dr. Sekhar emphasized that the new mobile towers will be set up in phases, following necessary clearances from security forces and the forest department. The initiative is aimed at expanding 4G coverage in regions that have long struggled with limited connectivity.
“BSNL is providing high-quality 4G services across the country, and with this expansion, we are realising the mission of delivering digital connectivity to the last village in the country,” the minister stated.
Review of Central Schemes in Chhattisgarh
The minister’s visit included a comprehensive review of various Central Government programmes, including the Aspirational District Programme, and flagship rural development schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), PMAY-Gramin, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
A high-level meeting was held in Raipur, attended by senior officials from the Department of Rural Development, Department of Telecommunications, Department of Posts, and BSNL.
Focus on Development in Naxal-Affected Zones
Calling the approach “mission-mode,” Dr. Sekhar said that development initiatives in Naxalite-hit regions are being aggressively pursued. He highlighted efforts such as door-to-door service delivery, school digitisation, and educational support for students preparing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
“Special facilities are being provided for differently-abled students, which is a sensitive and inclusive initiative,” he added.
Empowering Women Through Self-Help Groups
Dr. Sekhar lauded the innovative steps being taken to empower women in Chhattisgarh, citing the ‘Pink Auto’ scheme as a prime example. He also praised the contribution of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural development.
“SHGs are being linked with various schemes to provide financial assistance, training, and marketing support. This is helping women become self-reliant and boosting self-employment,” he said.
The Socio-Economic Development
The installation of 4,000 mobile towers marks a strategic move to not only improve telecom services in insurgency-affected areas but also accelerate socio-economic development. With improved connectivity, access to education, government services, and opportunities for entrepreneurship is expected to rise significantly.
About BSNL
BSNL, or Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, is a state-owned telecommunications company headquartered in New Delhi, India. It was established on October 1, 2000, and provides a wide range of telecom services, including mobile voice and internet, through its nationwide network. BSNL is a major player in India’s telecommunications sector, particularly in wireline services.
