PNS | DEHRADUN
The Central government is planning to install 644 new mobile towers and establish four additional Kendriya Vidyalayas in Uttarakhand. This decision was taken after Rajya Sabha MP and Bharatiya Janata Party Uttarakhand president Mahendra Bhatt recently raised these issues in a parliamentary session. Bhatt had questioned the Minister of Communications regarding the subpar state of BSNL’s telecommunication services in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. He sought detailed information about the number of operational BSNL 4G towers, the current condition of these towers and the plans for new installations in the state.
Replying to this, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development PV Chandrashekar stated that BSNL services in Uttarakhand adhere to the quality standards prescribed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The minister added that as of October, 1,183 4G sites have been installed and are operational in the State. Furthermore, under various schemes, a total of 644 towers including upgraded sites are proposed for Uttarakhand, of which 218 are already functioning.
On the issue of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Bhatt raised a question regarding the establishment of such schools in remote development blocks of Uttarakhand. In response, the government disclosed that 45 Kendriya Vidyalayas are currently operational in the State and four new proposals have been received by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for additional schools. Responding to the query about the state-wise status of youth hostels established under the Youth Hostel Scheme in Uttarakhand, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the annual maintenance, repair and upkeep of youth hostels fall under the purview of the respective state governments. If state governments are unable to provide the required funds for major repairs, they can approach the Centre for grants.
The minister also suggested exploring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from corporate houses for the maintenance of these hostels.
