Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, announced that a government committee will be formed to decide on the assets of public sector telecom firms Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Mumbai.
The committee will include officials from the state urban development department, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the central telecommunications department, with a report expected in four weeks. Meanwhile, discussions also covered mobile tower construction and communication infrastructure under the BharatNet project.
Scindia stated that the BharatNet project is being implemented to establish high-speed communication networks across all gram panchayats in India. He highlighted Maharashtra’s strong performance in Phase I and emphasised the need to extend connectivity to all remaining gram panchayats in Phase II. Scindia also called for the removal of barriers hindering rural telecom expansion.
Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister, Maharashtra, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening communication infrastructure, particularly in remote areas like Gadchiroli. He stated that security cover would be provided in these regions to facilitate tower installation. He further added that robust communication system in such areas would help connect local youth with modern technology. The government aims to establish connectivity systems in all gram panchayats across the state under BharatNet Phase II.
Fadnavis further assured that Maharashtra would remain at the forefront of the project’s second phase. He mentioned that reservations on BSNL and MTNL properties in Mumbai would be reviewed, and necessary actions would be taken to remove them in accordance with regulations. He mentioned that the government plans to develop various facilities for citizens on these properties. Decisions will be made based on the recommendations of the committee formed for this purpose.
In addition, deputy CM Shinde stated that improved telecom connectivity in Gadchiroli could significantly aid efforts to eliminate Naxalism in the region.
