(a) whether the Government is aware that most of the telephone exchanges in Uttaranachal are being run by the chowkidars (guards) kept there by contractors;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating to appoint technical staff in those exchanges;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) No, Sir. Most of the exchanges in Uttaranchal are being run by departmental staff. However, some of the telephone exchanges are being maintained by group exchanges staff, on need basis. The chowkidars are kept for security of telecom installations and for other exigencies.
(b) to (e) Do not arise in view of (a) above.