Bhubaneswar: A review meeting on various telecom projects being implemented in the state under the Digital India Fund was held today at the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) here. Electronics and IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling chaired the meeting and took a detailed stock of the expansion of mobile and internet services in remote and rural areas, 4G connectivity, and installation of new telecom towers.
The Minister directed officials to focus on further strengthening network connectivity, especially in remote and rural areas. He also reviewed Phase-3 of the “BharatNet Pariyojana” under the Digital India Mission, which aims to upgrade 6,799 Gram Panchayats of the state to Ring Topology with IP MPLS technology and extend FTTH (Fiber to the Home) connectivity to the village level.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the project has been directed to be completed in the next 3 years in a timely manner. The main goal of the government is to connect every village of the state with internet services and take digital services to the people. To achieve this, telecom companies have been directed to remove irregularities and deficiencies in network connectivity and accelerate the installation of towers and expansion of 4G services.
Dr. Mahaling also stressed the need to ensure preservation of network equipment during monsoon and floods, address weak internet in key locations, and maintain essential internet services in medical institutions.
All telecom operators present in the meeting, including BSNL, informed that they are committed to improving network connectivity in the state by December 2026. The Minister emphasized accelerating the development of telecom infrastructure so that people in remote areas can benefit from digital connectivity in education, health, e-governance, financial services and employment.
The meeting was attended by officers of the Electronics and IT Department, OCAC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut, and representatives of various telecom operators.
