Narendra Modi’s Government Targets 100% Telecom Connectivity in All Villages Within 12 Months: Scindia Announces Major Push with India Post Payments Bank

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced on Saturday that the government aims to provide 100% telecom coverage to all villages in India within the next 12 months.

Special Funds and Monitoring

Scindia, who is also the Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), mentioned that special funds have been approved by the Cabinet for this purpose, and he is personally monitoring the progress every week.

Identifying and Reaching Targeted Villages

In a press conference, Scindia said, “The prime minister is committed to achieving 100% coverage. We have identified around 24,000 villages that still need telecom connections.”

A special scheme has been launched to reach these villages, with the necessary funds already sanctioned. Scindia highlighted that areas in the northeastern states are among those needing coverage, and specific strategies are being developed to reach these locations.

Utilizing New Telecom Act and Technologies

The new telecom Act allows for the creation of necessary infrastructure, using various technologies like V-sat and satellite, to achieve 100% coverage within 12 months. Scindia said, “I monitor the progress weekly, and 13,000-14,000 of these villages have already been connected.”

Budget Allocations for North Eastern States

Scindia also discussed the 2024-25 Union Budget allocations for the northeastern states, stating, “For 75 years, the North East was neglected. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to make this region a growth engine.”

Special funds of about Rs 11,000 crore have been allocated for flood management in Assam and Sikkim, and 100 new branches of India Post Payments Bank will be established in the region as per the budget.

Benefits of the Budget

The minister said the North East will benefit from various budget schemes for women, farmers, youth, and economically weaker sections. He noted the increased funding for the DoNER ministry, higher devolution of central taxes, and investment in developing connectivity infrastructure.

Major Industrial Projects on the Horizon

Scindia highlighted upcoming major industrial projects in the region, including a Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor unit to be set up by the Tata Group near Guwahati, calling it a ‘game changer’ for the entire North East.

A Comprehensive Budget for Growth

“It is a comprehensive budget that will usher in a new era for the entire country,” Scindia concluded.