Question : TELEPHONE EXCHANGES IN NORTH-EASTERN STATES

(a) whether the Government have received proposal for opening of new telephone exchanges in the North-Eastern States including Sikkim during 2000-2001 ;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise ;

(c) the time by which these are likely to be set up ;

(d) whether the Government propose to install Electronic Telephone Exchanges in Manhaldoi, Sipajhar, Tanglam Khampetia and Udalguri regions of Assam;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the funds earmarked for the purpose; and (g) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister of State for Communications

(Tapan Sikdar)

(a) Yes, sir.

(b) State-wise details are given below:

Sl.No.	Name of the State	No of Telephone Exchanges	Planned to be opened	during 2000-2001
1.	Assam	50 

2.	Arunachal Pradesh	7

3.	Manipur	6

4.	Meghalaya	9

5.	Mizoram	6
6.	Nagaland	6

7	Tirpura	7

8.	Sikkim	6