Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 14: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today emphasized the need for coordinated and time-bound execution of the Union Government’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) programme aimed at expanding mobile network and 4G connectivity in shadow areas of the Union Territory.
He made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting convened to review the status of mobile tower installation and network coverage across the uncovered areas of J&K.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Secretary, Information Technology; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Chief General Manager, BSNL; and other senior officers.
During the review, the Chief Secretary directed both Divisional Commissioners to take weekly appraisals of the progress made on each identified site. He asked them to closely monitor the pace of tower construction, electricity provisioning, and land-related issues, ensuring that every tower is made functional at the earliest.
He also reviewed the status of NoCs from the Forest Department for tower erection and laying of electricity networks and directed for early resolution of such matters through inter-departmental coordination.
Reviewing the extension of 4G network coverage under Bharat Net and Amended Bharat Net Programmes, the Chief Secretary observed that enhanced digital connectivity in these network shadow areas will significantly strengthen grassroots-level empowerment, governance delivery, and access to public services.
He urged BSNL, the implementing agency, to expedite tower installations and ensure early commissioning. The company was advised to flag any implementation hurdles with the IT Department for prompt redressal.
The Chief Secretary was informed that out of a total 847 identified sites, BSNL has applied for electric connections at 744 sites, of which 505 sites have been energized. Additionally, 466 towers have been put on air, 98 more have been erected, and 95 others are ready for commissioning. Seven sites are off-grid and 19 are currently under execution.
BSNL representatives apprised the Chief Secretary that land issues persist at around 30 locations, for which he directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to resolve matters at the earliest to avoid project delays.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of the ‘Call Before U Dig’ (CBuD) initiative, highlighting its importance in preventing avoidable damage to road infrastructure. He directed the PWD to enforce mandatory use of the app before any road excavation, maintain strict vigilance, and initiate legal action against violators.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a meeting of Administrative Secretaries to review the progress made on the PM Gati Shakti (PMGS) portal, with a special focus on uploading of thematic data layers to strengthen evidence-based planning across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for comprehensive and coordinated data integration on the portal. He directed all concerned departments to upload data layers pertaining to Mission YUVA and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), besides incorporating the digitized land bank created by the Forest Department, to enable inclusive and informed decision-making.
Underscoring the importance of leveraging the Gati Shakti platform for social sector interventions, Dulloo stressed on the mandatory inclusion of datasets related to education infrastructure, health indicators, employment statistics, drug hotspots, and disaster-prone areas. He said that consolidating such multi-sectoral information on a single digital platform would facilitate focused interventions and better resource planning.
He called upon departments such as Industries, Tourism, Power Development, Health, and Jal Shakti to expedite the transition and provide clear timelines for completion of the data uploads.
Highlighting the value of data-driven governance, Dulloo directed that relevant datasets be shared with research institutions to encourage analytical inputs and innovative solutions for improving developmental outcomes.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh gave a detailed presentation on the current status of the portal.
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