Question : TELEPHONE FACILITY IN RURAL AREAS

(a) whether the target for providing telephone to subscribers in rural areas has proved to be elusive so far;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) the present target in this regard; and

(d) the steps taken/being taken to achieve the target?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 115 FOR 27TH NOVEMBER, 2000 REGARDING TELEPHONE FACILITY IN RURAL AREAS.

Telephones connections in the rural areas are provided to individual subscribers as DELs (Direct Exchange Lines) and as VPTs (Village Public Telephones) in villages. DELs targets are not only fully achieved but also exceeded.

However, there has been shortfall in the achievement of targets for VPTs. The main reasons for this shortfall are, the need to identify a suitable technology after decision to discontinue the MARR (Multi Access Radio Relay) system, unreliable power supply and other logistical difficulties. The achievement in rural DELs and shortfall in VPTs for the last two years are given in the Annexure.

During the year 2000-01, it is planned to provide about 14.20 lakhs DELs (Direct Exchange Lines ) in rural areas through Small and Medium capacity exchanges. To achieve this target, necessary action for supply of exchange equipments and other essential accessories such as power plant, battery, MDFs (Main Distribution Frames) and underground cables has been taken.

The target for VPTs during 2000-01 is 1,00,000. Action has already been initiated for procurement of essential items like cables, CDOT-TDMA/PMP, WLL systems and Satellite terminals.

ANNEXURE

TARGETS/ ACHIEVEMENT IN RESPECT OF RURAL DELs AND VPTs FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.

RURAL DELs
Year	Target	Achievement	DELs (lakhs)	DELs (lakhs)
1998-99	8.44	10.03	1999-2000	12.73	14.11
VPTs
Year	Target	Achievement
1998-99	45000	37058	1999-2000	45089	33965