India Targets 100% Telecom Connectivity for Villages

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia announced that India is aiming for 100% telecom connectivity coverage for all villages within the next 12 months. Special funds have been allocated to achieve this goal, and the progress is being closely monitored. The initiative also aims to boost growth in the northeastern regions.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia announced on Saturday that the government aims for 100% telecom connectivity coverage for all villages in the next 12 months.

Scindia, serving as Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), revealed special funds sanctioned by the Cabinet for this initiative, emphasizing his weekly monitoring of progress.

During a press conference, Scindia stated that around 24,000 villages still lack full telecom connectivity, and a dedicated scheme has been rolled out to address this, with a focus on the northeastern states.

The minister explained that mixed technology solutions like V-sat and satellite will be utilized to achieve complete saturation within the next year.

Scindia highlighted the increased budget allocations for the northeastern region, including Rs 11,000 crore for flood management in Assam and Sikkim, and the establishment of 100 new branches of India Post Payments Bank.

He mentioned the importance of these developments for women, farmers, youth, and economically weaker sections, attributing the growth to the increased funds for the DoNER ministry and central tax devolution.

Furthermore, the minister pointed to upcoming major industrial projects, like the Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor unit by Tata Group near Guwahati, signaling a transformative change for the region.

"This holistic budget marks the beginning of a new era for the entire country," Scindia added.

(With inputs from agencies.)