Question : TELEPHONE EXCHANGES AND VPT FACILITY IN RAJASTHAN

(a) whether the Government propose to set up telephone exchanges in the rural areas of Thar , Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan;

(b) if so , the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the time by which the waiting list of the said districts are likely to be cleared;

(e) whether the installation work on new VPT/PCO in Rajasthan was given on contract to some firm and the said firm has not started the installation work on VPT;

(f) if so, the reasons therefor; and
g) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister of State for Communications ( Shri Tapan Sikdar)

a),(b)&(c): It is proposed to set up 20 exchanges in Barmer district and 10 exchanges in Jaisalmer district in the rural areas of Thar at the following sites:-

Barmer District: Nimbal Kot , Batala, Kundal, Bhooka, Saila, Dakha, Kelewa, Thoriyon Ki Dhani, Roopji Raja Beri, Parea, Girab, Chava, Dharna, Ramji Ka Gole, Dhudha, Gole, Sinli Jagir, Siyani, Bhunia and Jhankali.

Jaisalmer District: Randha , Miyazler, Chayan, Dangri, Shree Bhadriya, Jhabra (Con), Habur, Awai, Khuiyala and Seuwa.

(d ) As per the objectives of the 9th Plan, telephones will be provided on demand by the year 2002 in rural as well as urban areas.

(e) No, Sir. However remaining VPTs in Rajasthan are to be provided by Private Operator.

(f) &(g) Do not arise in view of reply to para (e) above.