(a) the number of public telephone booths working in Tamil Nadu as on date;
(b) whether these booths are not functioning properly and satisfactorily;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the number of public telephone booths closed in the State during the last three years;
(e) the loss suffered on this account; and
(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for smooth functioning of public telephone booths in the state particularly in Sivganga and Ramnad districts?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
(SH.TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) : Sir, the number of public telephone booths working in Tamilnadu as on 29-2-2000 are 65154.
(b) & (c) : Sir, the PCOs are working satisfactorily.
(d) : The PCOs are mostly closed due to non-payment of dues/violation of terms and conditions and in some cases on franchisees request. These are reconnected on receipt of payment/ appeal for restoration depending on merits of the case. During last three years, 653 PCOs have been closed.
(e) : No loss is suffered due to these disconnections as the users have option to use other PCOs.
(f) : Following steps have been taken/proposed to be taken for smooth functioning of PCOs:
(i) Whenever a complaint is received from PCO, immediate action is taken to attend to complaint.
(ii) Senior officers and Vigilance officers also make surprise checks to ensure that PCOs are functioning properly.
(iii) Transmission media have been upgraded for smooth functioning of PCOs. In Sivganga and Ramnad district transmission media has been upgraded to the extent of 72% to facilitate satisfactory working of PCOs. The remaining 28% of media is proposed to be upgraded during the current financial year.