Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan Presides Over Eighth State-Level Broadband Committee Meeting

Breaking News, Daily Updates & Exclusive Stories - kharchaapani

In a significant move towards enhancing communication infrastructure, the eighth state-level broadband committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan in Dehradun. This meeting brought together pivotal stakeholders, including the telecommunication department, mobile communication provider firms, and various officials to deliberate on crucial projects and programs concerning communication and internet connectivity under the aegis of the Government of India.

Discussions on Implementation Challenges

During the meeting, participants stressed on various issues related to the effective implementation of communication projects. Notably, several mobile communication providers reported challenges in delivering high-speed internet connectivity in remote areas due to the lack of road access. In response to this critical issue, Chief Secretary Bardhan directed that no village or town in remote areas should be deprived of internet connectivity. He proposed that where road access is unavailable, equipment should be transported by air to install the necessary infrastructure.

Fiber Optic Line Utilization

Chief Secretary Bardhan also pointed out the availability of a 617-kilometer fiber optic line laid near Pitkul, which can be utilized by various telecom companies on a rental basis. He emphasized the need for compliance with the existing Right of Way (RoW) rules of 2014 to ensure seamless delivery of internet services across the state. This initiative is key to improving connectivity and meeting the growing demand for reliable internet access.

Coordination Among Departments

In a bid to facilitate efficient service delivery, Chief Secretary Bardhan issued directives to the Public Works Department, UPCL, and other relevant departments to swiftly resolve issues related to internet and communication connectivity. He urged these bodies to establish a collaborative approach with the district administration and telecom service providers to promptly address any obstacles that arise during implementation.

Addressing Call Drop Issues

Moreover, addressing the concern regarding frequent call drop issues in cities and towns, he instructed all mobile communication providers to re-evaluate their resources. The emphasis was placed on ensuring a permanent solution to connectivity interruptions, which have been a significant frustration for consumers.

Status of Broadband Connections

The telecom department reported that under the BharatNet scheme, a total of 6,590 connections have already been established in the state. Connectivity has been made available in 1,819 gram panchayats across 30 development blocks, facilitating access to essential services through connectivity at Gram Panchayat offices and Primary Service Centers (PSC).

Furthermore, it was highlighted that over three lakh street furniture—pertaining to connectivity-related equipment such as electric poles and towers—have been mapped on the Centre's Geospatial Information System (GIS) portal, showcasing the government's efforts to revamp the technological infrastructure.

Conclusion

The eighth state-level broadband committee meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing digital connectivity in Uttarakhand. The proactive measures and collaborative spirit exhibited in this gathering reflect the commitment of the state government to bridge the digital divide, especially in underserved areas. As stakeholders continue to work in tandem, the vision of universal internet access no longer seems like a distant dream, but a tangible reality for many.

As developments unfold in the telecommunication sector, stay tuned for the latest updates. For more insights and news, visit kharchaapani.com

Keywords: