(a) whether the Government have decided to set up `Sanchar Dhabas` in all Panchyat/Villages of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the extent to which Sanchar Dhabas are going to help and develop rural telephones in the big way?
(a) whether the Government have decided to set up `Sanchar Dhabas` in all Panchyat/Villages of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the extent to which Sanchar Dhabas are going to help and develop rural telephones in the big way?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) No Sir, there is no scheme to set up `Sanchar Dhabas` in all Panchayat/Villages of the country. Decision has been taken to set up `Internet Dhabas` in all the Block Headquarters.
(b) The `Internet Dhabas` in all Block Headquarters in the country are proposed to be set up by 31st March, 2001 through franchisees for which the selection criteria is same as applicable for PCO allotment. Existing PCO franchisees are also encouraged to upgrade the existing PCOs to Internet PCOs. Free Internet Access is being permitted for the Internet Dhabas in the Rural Block Headquarters and in the Urban Block Headquarters, the free internet access for 1500 hrs. per annum is permitted. If any franchisee wants to set up the Internet Dhabas other than at the Block Headquarter, the same concessions are allowed.
(c) Internet Dhabas in all the Block headquarters will help in fast proliferation of the internet services amongst general public who will have the advantage of instant information about the markets, rates, education, health etc.