(a) whether the Government is aware of the severe shortage of cables and some other materials for installation of new telephone connections by BSNL in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) & (b) Due to litigation in the cable tender for 2003-2004, there was delay in the finalization of cable tender and allotment of cable to circles. After finalization of cable tender 94.992 LCKM of PIJF cable was ordered and allotted to various circles in
March, 2004 which is being supplied progressively, and likely to be completed by October, 2004.
(c) During 2004-2005 BSNL is in process of procurement of 25.008 LCKM of PIJF cable.