Srinagar : The 11th Meeting of the State Broadband Committee (SBC) of Jammu and Kashmir was Saturday held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to review the progress of key digital connectivity initiatives aimed at ensuring universal access to high-speed telecommunications and internet services across the Union Territory. The meeting besides ACS, PDD and ACS, PWD was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology (IT); Secretary, RDD; CGM, BSNL; MD, JPDCL/KPDCL; Representatives from DoT and other concerned officers.
Reviewing the progress of land allotment and statutory clearances Chief Secretary urged Deputy Commissioners to expedite the clearance of pending telecom tower sites, emphasizing the need for timely statutory clearances and land allotments. The Information Technology Department has been tasked with providing district-wise status reports on identified sites for telecom tower installations in underserved areas. The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of incorporating all uncovered habitations into a new site list prepared by the Department of Telecommunications and BSNL, aiming to ensure mobile network coverage for every eligible village in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he directed the Power Development Department to facilitate on-grid electricity connections for feasible tower locations and reviewed the implementation of the Call Before u Dig platform to ensure compliance with procedures that protect critical infrastructure. The Chief Secretary also focused on the Amended BharatNet Programme, urging agencies to monitor the operationalization of broadband infrastructure at the Gram Panchayat level, with the goal of providing high-speed internet connectivity to households through Fiber-to-the-Home services. The meeting revealed significant progress in the 4G Saturation Project, with 566 out of 847 planned mobile tower sites now operational. Ongoing work includes the completion of tower foundations and erection at various locations, with a target to complete remaining sites by December 31, 2026. The project has notably improved communication in border villages, with 1,402 out of 1,419 identified villages now connected. Electricity connectivity has been established for 647 tower sites, with efforts underway to complete the remaining connections. The Amended BharatNet Programme covers 285 blocks and 4,299 Gram Panchayats, with physical surveys completed in 2,401 Panchayats and commissioning in 282. Approximately 744 kilometers of Optical Fiber Cable have been laid, aiming to enhance digital governance, education, healthcare, and economic participation in rural areas. The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring robust digital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing its critical role in governance and citizen services.
