Question : TELECOM SERVICES IN BACKWARD TRIBAL AND NAXAL AREAS

(a) the details of the schemes formulated by the Government for the expansion of telecommunication services in rural, backward, tribal and particularly naxal affected areas of the country;

(b) the targets fixed and achieved in providing telecom services during the 11th Five Year Plan, State-wise, including Chhattisgarh;

(c) the number of new mobile towers proposed to be installed in these areas particularly in the districts identified in naxal areas, State-wise;

(d) the funds allocated/spent by the Government in this regard; and

(e) the action plan formulated along with the target set for the expansion of tele-communication services in such areas during the 12th Five Year Plan?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA)

(a)&(b) Details of various schemes being implemented with financial support from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) for expansion of telecom Services in rural, backward, tribal and Naxal affected areas are enclosed at Annexure.

The target fixed for expansion of telecom services under the 11th Five Year Plan has been achieved both in urban and rural areas in the country.