(a) the details of proposals to expand communication network in
Assam by providing modern and sophisticated telephone exchanges
during the Tenth Plan period;
(b) whether it is a fact that mid-term review of the Tenth Plan
has revealed that the achievement is below the target;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to achieve
the target by the end of the plan period?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) The Telecom development work in all the Circles including
Assam are planned on yearly basis. The details of targets and
corresponding achievement in Assam Circle during Tenth plan
period are given in the Annexure.
(b) No, Sir. The targets have largely been achieved and the
achievement pattern is similar to other areas of the country.
(c) Does not arise in view of (b) above.
(d) For timely achievement of the targets, mobile services have
been planned to cater to a large population. The target for
mobile connections for the year 2005-06 is 1,80,000. In addition,
scattered rural demand is planned to be fulfilled by providing
connections through WLL. Necessary switching and transmission
equipment for the same is planned for timely procurement.
ANNEXURE
Details of Targets and Achievement of Telecom Development work in
Assam during Tenth Plan
Sl Parameters 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 No. Target Achievement Target Achievement Target Achievement upto 31.1.2005
1. New Telephone 50 62 20 26 0 01 Exchanges
2. Switching 90200 95752 26000 68692 18000 6663 Capacity (Fixed+WLL) (Lines)
3. Direct 75000 64750 83000 49771 213600 1404495 Exchange Lines (Nos.)
4. Optical Fibre 600 644.92 750 973.46 552 282
5. Microwave 100 215.1 75 174.8 Nil 217.5 (RKMs)
6. VPTs(Nos) 1000 1007 4300 1354 5021 1913
7. TAX (KC) 16 17 18 20 8 0 Cable (RKMs)