Decks cleared for BSNL to roll out mobile services in Naxal areas

The project involves setting up telecom towers in 2,199 locations spread across nine States at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.

New Delhi, May 30:

Decks have been cleared for rolling out mobile network in Naxal-affected areas by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, financed by the Universal Services Obligation fund.

The Department of Telecom had floated a note for consideration of the Cabinet, which has been ratified by all the major central Ministries including Home and Finance.

Under the existing regulations, money from the USO fund can be given only through a tendering process. However, since this project was linked to security, the Department of Telecom wanted the project to be given to BSNL.

The project involves setting up telecom towers in 2,199 locations spread across nine States at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.

While all the other Ministries have supported the project, some of have put conditions.

For example, the Ministry of Finance has said that the DoT should put in a mechanism to monitor BSNLs plans to ensure that the project cost does not exceed the already earmarked amount.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs said that along with Naxal-hit areas, BSNL should also provide coverage to areas with tribal population. The Ministry of Rural Development has said that a similar programme should be envisaged for hilly areas.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has noted that the some of the existing towers in the Naxal-hit areas remains shut for long hours due to non-availability of diesel to run generators that power towers.

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Decks cleared for BSNL to roll out mobile services in Naxal areas