- Chief Minister Shri Sai met Union Communications Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, detailed discussion took place on expansion of digital connectivity in the state
- The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for the approval of 577 additional mobile towers.
- Expansion of mobile network is a powerful medium to take education, health, banking and good governance to the last person – Chief Minister Shri Sai
- Land NOC issued to BSNL for 489 locations, process to be completed soon for remaining 88 locations
- Connecting remote and tribal areas with the digital mainstream will give new impetus to inclusive development – Chief Minister
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today met Union Communications Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on important issues related to the expansion of digital and telecommunication connectivity in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Shri Sai requested for early approval of 2,305 new mobile towers proposed under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme to ensure uninterrupted mobile and internet services, especially in remote, tribal, border and inaccessible areas of the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is committed to taking Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision to every village and every person in Chhattisgarh. Strong digital connectivity in geographically difficult and remote areas is not just a means of communication, but a fundamental necessity for social and economic development. The availability of mobile networks and high-speed internet will provide citizens living in these areas with seamless access to education, health, banking, digital payments, online services, and various government welfare schemes.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that due to geographical conditions, expanding communication networks in many remote and tribal areas of the state has been challenging. The installation of 2,305 new mobile towers in these areas will bring about a major change towards digital inclusion. He said that this will also provide reliable mobile and internet access to villages and settlements that have previously lacked adequate communication facilities.
- ‘Approval of 577 additional towers will enhance connectivity in remote areas’
Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed his gratitude to the Central Government and Union Communications Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia for approving 577 additional mobile towers for Naxal-affected and inaccessible areas. He said that this decision by the Central Government is an important step towards connecting areas with difficult geographical conditions, especially Bastar, to the digital mainstream.
The Chief Minister said that in areas where a new environment of peace and development is emerging today, a strong communication network will further accelerate the pace of development. Improved connectivity will strengthen communication between citizens and the administration, facilitate communication during emergencies, and enable people to access online government services closer to their villages.
- ‘NOC issued to BSNL for 489 locations’
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the State Government is completing the procedures related to the installation of approved mobile towers with the highest priority. Land No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been issued to BSNL for 489 out of a total of 577 locations. The necessary procedures for the remaining 88 locations are being completed expeditiously, and approval will be granted soon. He stated that BSNL has begun installation of mobile towers in locations where the necessary permissions and land-related procedures have been completed. The State Government is ensuring necessary coordination through the relevant departments and district administrations to ensure no unnecessary delays in the installation of towers.
- ‘Digital connectivity will become the new strength of education and health’
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the greatest benefits of expanding mobile and internet networks in remote areas will accrue to students, youth, women, farmers, and rural families. Strengthened internet connectivity will enhance online study materials and digital education opportunities for students. Similarly, through telemedicine and digital health services, citizens in remote areas will be able to more easily access expert medical consultations and healthcare facilities. He added that a strong network will also make systems like banking services, digital payments, and direct benefit transfers more effective. Rural citizens will no longer have to travel unnecessarily for various certificates, applications, and other online government services. Thus, digital connectivity will bring governance closer to citizens.
- ‘Bastar is moving towards development with peace and now digital empowerment’
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that new possibilities for development are emerging in remote areas of the state, including Bastar. Along with the expansion of roads, electricity, education, health, and other infrastructure, digital connectivity is now being given equal priority. Connecting villages that have been deprived of communication facilities for years due to geographical difficulties and other challenges with mobile and internet networks will play a crucial role in socio-economic transformation. He stated that improved digital connectivity will provide local youth with access to online education, skills training, and new employment opportunities. Rural entrepreneurs and self-help groups will have easier access to digital markets, and farmers will receive timely information on weather, agricultural technology, and markets.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that Chhattisgarh is rapidly moving towards digital transformation. The state government is striving to ensure that the benefits of technology are not limited to cities, but reach every citizen in remote forest and tribal areas. He expressed confidence that the approval of 2,305 mobile towers proposed under the Digital India Fund will significantly accelerate the expansion of digital connectivity in remote areas of the state.
