Cabinet gives nod for 4G mobile services in over 7,000 uncovered villages

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has given the nod to provide 4G mobile services in over 7,000 villages of 44 aspirational districts across five states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha. Addressing the media in New Delhi yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said, mobile towers connectivity will be provided in Left Wing Extremist areas.

The work related to providing of 4G mobile services in identified uncovered villages will be awarded through open competitive bidding process. The minister said, this will fulfill the vision of Digital India promoting domestic manufacturing and fulfilling the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Cabinet has also approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY Phase I and II) and Road



Connectivity Project for Left-Wing Extremism Affected Areas, (RCPLWEA). He said, 4,490 Km road length and 105 bridges have already been completed under RCPLWEA since 2016 in 44 districts in nine states.

Mr Thakur said, roads will be built through dense forests, mountains and rivers. A total of one lakh 12 thousand 419 crore rupees, including state share is likely to be incurred from 2021-22 to 2024-25 for completion of all the ongoing interventions of PMGSY.

The minister informed that Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, (CCEA) has given extension of time up to September next year to help North East and Hill States to complete pending works. The CCEA also approved continuation of Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas up to March, 2023.