Jammu, January 28:
In a move to bolster digital connectivity in the remotest corners of the district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, chaired a high-level District Telecom Committee (DTC) meeting today to overhaul the District Action Plan and address critical infrastructure gaps.
The meeting focused heavily on the BharatNet initiative and the immediate restoration of telecom services in far-flung Gram Panchayats.
Key Highlights from the DTC Meeting
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VSAT Crisis: The DC expressed grave concern over VSATs installed as far back as 2019 that remain non-functional.
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Zero Pendency: It was officially noted that there are currently no pending Right of Way (RoW) applications in the district.
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Infrastructure Protection: Mandatory use of the “Call Before You Dig” (CBuD) App was reinforced for all PWD and PMGSY projects.
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Security Audit: A full security status report of IT assets in Gram Panchayat Bhawans has been commissioned following past vulnerabilities.
Addressing the Connectivity Gap
During the review, DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma highlighted that maintenance gaps and vendor transitions have left several VSAT sites dormant. He issued a stern directive to BSNL authorities and the ACD to take “immediate corrective measures” to ensure these assets are not just functional, but optimally utilized by the public.
“Infrastructure in remote Panchayats is a lifeline. We cannot allow technicalities or maintenance gaps to hinder the digital empowerment of our citizens,” the DC remarked.
Safeguarding the Underground Network
To prevent the frequent disruption of fiber optics, the DC directed the SE PWD (R&B) Circle Doda-Kishtwar and Executive Engineers of PMGSY to ensure the CBuD App is used during all excavation works. This app is designed to prevent accidental damage to underground telecom cables, which often leads to prolonged internet outages.
Citizen-Centric Digital Tools
The committee also pushed for the wider promotion of:
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Sanchar Saathi Portal: To empower subscribers and enhance security features.
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Unified Sanchar Portal: For streamlined grievance redressal.
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CSC Monitoring: Ensuring Common Service Centers are fully operational to serve the local population.
The meeting concluded with a call for seamless coordination between departments to ensure that Gram Panchayat Bhawans have the necessary power supply and physical security to house sensitive IT equipment. The DC emphasized that regular monitoring and documentation of assets handed over to the IT Department are non-negotiable for the project’s success.
