Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia affirmed the government’s dedication to extending mobile and internet services to all villages in India. In response to Arunachal East BJP MP Tapir Gao’s concerns about telecom services in Vijayanagar, Scindia mentioned the Vibrant Village Programme. This initiative aims to integrate border villages into the national mainstream, enhancing living conditions and livelihood opportunities.
Vijaynagar, established in 1965 and known as the First Village of India, holds historical significance. Scindia stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing telecom infrastructure in the region for improved connectivity. However, challenges persist in laying Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) wiring due to parts falling under the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, a matter currently under Supreme Court consideration.
Situated in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, Vijaynagar faces enduring telecom infrastructure hurdles. Despite being an administrative hub, the area grapples with inadequate mobile network services, termed “digital darkness.” This lack of reliable connectivity hampers access to online services, education platforms, and banking facilities, hindering residents’ digital inclusion efforts.
While Arunachal Pradesh has made strides in expanding 4G connectivity and linking border villages through the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme, remote areas like Vijaynagar lag behind. MP Tapir Gao highlighted the communication struggles faced by Indian Army and paramilitary personnel in Vijayanagar, urging swift government action to address the issue.
