Jyotiraditya Scindia: Telecom Connectivity to Be Extended to All Villages in the Next 12 Months

Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the new telecom Act allows for the establishment of necessary infrastructure, and various technologies, including V-sat and satellite, are being used with the goal of achieving full saturation within 12 months.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced on Saturday that the goal is to achieve 100 percent telecom connectivity coverage for villages across the country within the next 12 months. As the Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), he noted that the Cabinet has approved special funds for this initiative, and he personally monitors the project’s progress weekly.

In a press conference, Scindia highlighted that the Prime Minister is dedicated to achieving complete saturation. He mentioned that approximately 24,000 villages still require telecom connectivity and that a special scheme has been launched with allocated funds to ensure these villages are covered.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia mentioned that some of the targeted villages include those in the northeastern states, and plans are underway to ensure connectivity reaches these areas. The new telecom Act facilitates the development of necessary infrastructure, and a mix of technologies, such as V-sat and satellite, is being utilized with the aim of achieving complete saturation within 12 months. Scindia noted that he monitors progress weekly and reported that 13,000-14,000 of the targeted villages have already been covered.

He also discussed the 2024-25 Union Budget allocations for the northeastern states, highlighting a shift in focus. Scindia remarked that for 75 years, the North East was neglected, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to transforming the region into a growth engine. Special funds totaling approximately ₹11,000 crore have been allocated for flood management in Assam and Sikkim, and 100 new branches of India Post Payments Bank are planned for the region.

Scindia emphasized that the region will benefit from various schemes outlined in the budget for women, farmers, youth, and economically disadvantaged groups. He pointed to increased funding for the DoNER ministry, higher devolution of central taxes, and investment in connectivity infrastructure as evidence of the region’s growing importance.

Additionally, Scindia highlighted the upcoming ₹27,000-crore semiconductor unit by Tata Group near Guwahati, describing it as a ‘game changer’ for the North East.

The Union minister added, “It is a comprehensive budget that will usher in a new era for the entire country.”