John Wilber & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Aug 06: While Prime Minister of India is stressing on transforming India into Digital India, in Andaman and Nicobar Islands there are many places where people don’t even get mobile network for emergency calls.
For example, a major part of Beodnabad to Chidiya-Tapu area, people are suffering heavily due to network connectivity issue since a very long time.
When contacted a resident of Burmanallah Mr. Jasbir Singh Khaira told Andaman Sheekha daily that people of a major part of Beodnabad Panchayat, are the worst sufferers.
He said that in several occasions, the poor network connectivity matter was raised infront of BSNL and Administration but no favorable action has been taken yet.
“Altogether three BSNL towers are there in the area but none of these towers function properly,” he alleged.
When contacted by this reporter, Mr. Murali Krishna the Chief General Manager of BSNL A & N Circle said that there is no convergence of networks in that area.
The towers are built far away, which leads to slow network connectivity. He further said that erecting a new tower in that area would also be of no use.
Does that mean that people of the area will continue to suffer in the region in future too? Presently all BSNL officials are silent in this matter.
People of Beodnabad are now planning a massive strike in their area against BSNL for total negligence and lack of professional approach towards the region.
The officers visiting the Islands on duty are mostly holidaying and is not at all concerned with the development of the Islands. The people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are highly deprived of modern Development activities.
In the name of development, the Government departments, keeps the files on their table and is not concerned at all with any other development activities.
There are no proper roads, ships or Helicopters connecting the different Islands. Internet & Telephone connectivity is pathetic.
Poor Health Infrastructure is another problem in these Islands.