Strengthening last-mile digital connectivity remains a key priority for the Union government, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday. He affirmed that the Centre is committed to ensuring mobile and internet services reach every village in the country.
Responding to a query by Arunachal East BJP MP Tapir Gao regarding telecom services in Vijayanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Scindia referred to the Vibrant Village Programme. He said the initiative is aimed at integrating border villages into the national mainstream.
“The aim of this programme is to create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities for the people of the villages,” Scindia said.
He noted that Vijaynagar, also spelled Vijoynagar, has historical importance. The settlement was established in 1965 by Major General Ajit Singh Guraya and is known as the First Village of India. Scindia emphasised that the Centre is working to strengthen telecom infrastructure in the region to improve connectivity.
However, he pointed out that laying Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) in the area is challenging because parts of the region fall under the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary. He added that the matter is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, which has further complicated expansion efforts.
Vijaynagar, located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, continues to face long-standing telecom issues. Despite being an administrative centre, the region remains in what officials and residents describe as “digital darkness” due to the lack of reliable and high-speed mobile networks.
The absence of stable connectivity has limited access to essential online services, digital education platforms, and banking facilities. While the Arunachal Pradesh government has expanded 4G connectivity in several areas and connected multiple border villages under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme, remote locations like Vijaynagar have struggled to benefit.
During the discussion, MP Tapir Gao highlighted that Indian Army and paramilitary personnel stationed in Vijayanagar, along with local residents, face serious communication challenges. He urged the government to take urgent steps to address the issue.
The Centre reiterated its commitment to improving digital infrastructure in remote and border regions.
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