Bhubaneswar: As many as 764 gram panchayats in 176 blocks across the state lack internet and mobile communication services, making digital accessibility a distant dream for many residents, revealed Electronics and IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling today at Odisha Assembly.
This crucial information was disclosed in response to a question raised by MLA Ramesh Chandra Behera in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Replying to Behera’s query, the IT Minister said, “The Odisha government has initiated a massive project to install 4277 new mobile towers across the state under Digital Bharat Nidhi Yojana. This endeavour aims to provide seamless internet and mobile services to all gram panchayats and villages.”
As of now, 2085 mobile towers have been successfully installed, ensuring digital connectivity to a significant number of villages. The project is being implemented under the Aspirational and LWE-II and 4G Saturation scheme. By June 2025, a total of 2192 mobile towers will be made operational, providing digital connectivity to all villages and gram panchayats, informed the IT Minister.
