Arunachal Congress MP raises concern over ‘delays’ in mobile connectivity project

Arunachal Pradesh’s Congress Lok Sabha MP Ninong Ering on Sunday expressed concern over what he said is a delay in the roll out of telecom projects in the state and sought.

He also sought the speedy installation of mobile towers to improve connectivity in remote areas.

Ering, who represents the lower house from the Arunachal East constituency, claimed that despite receiving assurances from Union communications minister Manoj Sinha, there has been no progress.

I have been following this through BSNL and other officials of your ministry. Every next day, there is one or the other pretext,” said Ering in a letter to Sinha.

Ering further said telecom connectivity is vital for a state like Arunachal, especially in its far-flung areas as well as along China’s and Myanmar’s borders. Further, the climate conditions in the state will greatly benefit from timely weather information.

“Please note that unlike other parts of this country, Arunachal is not only security sensitive but climate is also a biggest challenge in the state, each delay gives me pain when I look and hear the people of my constituency, deprived of their rights,” wrote Ering.

The MP urged Sinha to direct authorities to not cause “intentional delay” and provide immediate support and aid to BSNL for the speedy installation of mobile towers in the state.

Last year too, Ering said there was an urgent need to expand cellular connectivity in areas still outside telecom coverage in the northeast.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ering had written that “vested interests are bent on denying mobile connectivity” to the people of the northeast and, to Arunachal Pradesh.