In a major push to bridge the digital divide, the Central Government has announced the installation of 400 new BSNL towers in remote and Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh. The initiative aims to strengthen digital connectivity and improve the communication infrastructure in underserved areas. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, during his visit to Raipur on July 27.
The Minister stated that the rollout will take place in a phased manner after obtaining mandatory approvals from security forces and the forest department. Highlighting BSNL’s ongoing 4G services across India, he emphasised that the expansion will significantly benefit remote villages, enhancing access to government schemes and digital services.
During his visit, Dr. Sekhar chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials from the Departments of Rural Development, Posts, Telecommunications, and BSNL. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of key rural development schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban and Gramin) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, acknowledging their transformative impact on rural housing and connectivity.
Appreciating Chhattisgarh’s grassroots innovations, the Minister lauded the ‘Pink Auto’ initiative, which empowers women by providing ownership-based auto-rickshaws through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He noted that such models hold potential for replication in other states. SHGs, he said, are being integrated with government support mechanisms, enabling access to financial aid, training, and marketing channels—fostering sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance for women.
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Emphasising inclusive growth in Naxal-affected districts, Dr. Sekhar shared that development initiatives are being executed in ‘mission mode’. These include door-to-door delivery of public services, digital learning facilities in schools to aid JEE and NEET aspirants, and support for differently-abled students.
Concluding his address, the Minister reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, welfare schemes are reaching even the most marginalised communities. The Centre, he affirmed, remains committed to developing digital, physical, and social infrastructure in a holistic and integrated manner to realise the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.