3,195 gram panchayats to be provided with internet connectivity in J&K

SRINAGAR, November 11, 2021:: Jammu and Kashmir is set to launch e-governance at the grassroots level, according to officials, with the administration providing internet connectivity to 3,195 additional gram panchayats under the Bharat Broadband Scheme (BBS).

Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta held a meeting on Thursday to review the progress of projects related to Tawi River Front development and implementation of Bharat Net scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, a release said.

While reviewing the implementation of Bharat Broadband Scheme in rural areas in J&K, the Chief Secretary was informed that 408 Gram Panchayats and 14 Block Headquarters have been provided Internet connection through optical fiber cable, while 658 Gram Panchayats have been provided Internet connection. VSAT has been enabled for connectivity, officials said.

He said that in the second phase of the project, internet connectivity would be provided to 3,195 additional gram panchayats.

Underlining the importance of digital inclusion in rural areas, Mehta impressed upon the Rural Development Department (RDD) to ensure that net enabled Gram Panchayats function properly, so that they can be accessed through youth clubs, Anganwadi centers and other important public sectors.  (PTK)