In a major push toward comprehensive digital inclusion, Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired the 8th State Broadband Committee meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable mobile networks and high-capacity broadband infrastructure across Odisha.
The meeting focused on identifying operational bottlenecks and ensuring seamless execution of telecom projects, particularly in rural, remote, border, and network-shadow regions.
Targeted Focus on Shadow Zones and Rural Quality
Chief Secy Garg directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), cellular operators, and broadband service providers to map all unserved and border pockets across the state. She instructed agencies to formulate a time-bound, milestone-driven action plan to extend network coverage to these vulnerable regions.
Addressing public grievances was highlighted as a key priority. Complaints received from Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and various district authorities regarding poor or absent mobile coverage will undergo systematic verification, followed by prompt corrective measures. To improve the user experience in rural Odisha, telecom providers were directed to adopt stronger signal benchmark standards.
Speeding Up 4G Saturation and Infrastructure Access
The committee reviewed progress under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme, focusing on 4G saturation projects across Aspirational Districts and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected zones. These initiatives are currently being executed through joint coordination between DoT, the Electronics & Information Technology (E&IT) Department, and district administrations.
Key decisions taken regarding network infrastructure include:
- Tower Access Solutions: All road connectivity issues hindering access to mobile tower sites must be resolved by December 2026.
- BSNL Land Clearances: Priority issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for land allocation under Category-5 and Category-6 to enable BSNL to install essential mobile towers. BSNL was advised to maintain close coordination with district administrations to resolve pending land matters.
RoW Reforms Fetch Over ₹150 Crore Central Assistance
Chief Secretary Garg commended the collaborative efforts of the E&IT Department, power distribution companies (DISCOMs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in implementing Right of Way (RoW) reforms and the “SASCI” scheme. These policy reforms have successfully made Odisha eligible to receive over ₹150 Crore in central financial incentives.
Revised BharatNet Implementation & Oversight
A tripartite agreement has been formally executed between the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL, and the Government of Odisha for the revised BharatNet project. BSNL and its designated implementation partners have been instructed to accelerate ground operations to complete the project within the stipulated three-year timeframe.
To maintain strict accountability, the E&IT Department was tasked with establishing a robust monitoring framework with assigned responsibilities and defined timelines. Unresolved inter-departmental issues are to be escalated promptly to higher authorities for swift resolution.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (E&IT) Vishal Kumar Dev, Secretaries of key departments, and senior telecom officials. District Collectors joined the proceedings virtually to brief the committee on local network status and urgent infrastructural requirements.
