(a) whether a number of Telephone applicants from Melarasampet area under Gudiyatham Exchange are still awaiting their telephone connections in the suburban of Vellore District in Tamil Nadu State;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the stores of OFC for Odugathur to Melarasampet has been procured;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons for the delay in procuring the OFC for Odugathur?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) There is no telephone exchange at Melarasampet. This area is being served by Odugathur Telephone Exchange which is nearly at a radial distance of 9.5 KM. A waiting list of 12 is pending in this area for provision of telephone connections. All these demands are long distance connections. At present, these connections are non-feasible. However, these connections are proposed to be provided during the year 2002-2003 using WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) technology.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above.
(e) There is no proposal for new exchange at Melarasampet, as the present demand does not justify for a new exchange. Hence, the provision of OFC does not arise at present.