400 new mobile towers to boost digital connectivity in Maoist-affected areas of Chhattisgarh
This was announced by Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on Sunday.
Tower installation will proceed in phase manner, after approvals from security agencies and the forest department. 'BSNL is already providing high-quality 4G services across India, and this expansion will help realize our mission of delivering connectivity to even the last village,' Sekhar said.
Sekhar underscored the Centre's commitment to fast-tracking development in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-hit areas. 'Schools in these regions are being digitized to help students prepare for exams like JEE and NEET. Special facilities for differently-abled children are also being introduced,' he said.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Raipur, Union minister Sekhar assessed the performance of key schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Gramin, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
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He expressed satisfaction with Chhattisgarh's implementation pace, calling the rural development push 'transformative for both infrastructure and housing.'
Highlighting local innovations, Sekhar praised the 'pink auto' initiative aimed at women's empowerment. The programme provides women with ownership-based auto-rickshaws, creating avenues for self-employment. 'Such initiatives, driven by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), are empowering women through financial support, training, and market access,' he said.
Sekhar said the government's approach is to strengthen digital, physical, and social infrastructure in an integrated manner, making the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.
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