Cabinet approves 4G mobile services in Maoist affected areas

The Union Cabinet has given nod to provide 4G mobile services in over 7,000 villages of 44 aspirational districts across Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, mobile towers connectivity will be provided in Left Wing Extremist areas. He said the project is expected to be worth 6466 crore rupees. The project would be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). This project will be completed within 18 months after the signing of the Agreement and is likely to be completed by 23 November 2023. The proposal for provisioning of mobile services in the remote and difficult uncovered areas of Aspirational Districts will enhance digital connectivity, facilitate learning, dissemination of information and knowledge, skill up-gradation, and development. The minister said this will fulfill the vision of Digital India promoting domestic manufacturing and fulfilling the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He further adds, the Cabinet has also approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-I, PMGSY-II, and Road Connectivity Project for Left-Wing Extremism Affected Areas.Also, areas that were not covered for road connectivity under phases one and two of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana or the Left-Wing Extremism affected areas RCPLWEA and the tribal areas are going to be benefited. Thakur said roads will be built through dense forests, mountains, and rivers. A total of one lakh 12 thousand 419 crore rupees, including state share, is likely to be incurred from 2021-22 to 2024-25 for completion of all the ongoing interventions of PMGSY. He said, 4,490 Km road length and 105 bridges have already been completed under RCPLWEA since 2016 in 44 districts in nine states.