In a bid to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in remote areas, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the imperative for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to expedite the saturation of 4G connectivity across the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Secretary’s remarks came during a pivotal State Broadband Committee meeting convened to review the implementation of the National Broadband Mission in J&K. Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Dulloo stressed the urgency of enhancing communication facilities in underserved regions. “Implementation agencies must expedite the installation of communication towers in designated areas,” he remarked, underscoring the critical need for improved communication infrastructure, including 4G networks, in remote locales.
Emphasizing the role of the IT Department as a nodal agency, Chief Secretary Dulloo urged for enhanced coordination among departments to overcome implementation challenges. He underscored the importance of regular progress reviews to ensure the successful completion of the mission, covering all identified villages.
Chief Secretary Dulloo also directed for necessary amendments in Right of Way (RoW) rules to facilitate seamless implementation, emphasizing the swift restoration of roads and pathways post cable laying works to minimize disruptions.
“The National Broadband Mission aims to provide affordable, high-speed broadband access to all, fostering digital empowerment and bridging the digital divide,” stated Chief Secretary Dulloo, highlighting the mission’s overarching objectives.
Updates on the mission’s progress in the UT were shared during the meeting, indicating ongoing foundation work at 96 locations and tower erection at 13 sites. Furthermore, it was reported that foundation work had been completed at 175 locations, with tower erection completed at 109 sites.
Discussions during the meeting also encompassed initiatives such as the “Call before you Dig” portal, Digital Communication Readiness Index, and BharatNet, reflecting the comprehensive approach towards addressing digital connectivity challenges in the region.
In his closing remarks, Chief Secretary Dulloo reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating digital infrastructure development and promoting inclusive growth across Jammu and Kashmir. “Our efforts are geared towards ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their location, has access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity,” he concluded.
The Chief Secretary’s directives and the collaborative efforts highlighted in the meeting underscore the government’s determination to bridge the digital gap and usher in a new era of connectivity and opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
