(a) whether the Government propose to improve communication facilities in the North Eastern portion of Uttar Pradesh particularly in the Varanasi ;
(b) if so, whether any special budget is being made available for the purpose in view of poor communication facilities there ;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the number of cellular telephone provided at present and proposed to be provided in the said area in the year 2000-2001 ?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
( SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR )
(a) Yes, Sir. It has been planned to open exchanges in all Block Headquarters and also to clear the waiting list as on 31-3-2000 progressively by 31-3-2001. All the exchanges in North -Eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh are being covered in phased manner with reliable media by laying of OFC cable to improve STD services. In Varanasi district 85 exchanges are working with capacity of 1,34,704 lines and 1,00,298 working connections as on 31-3-2000. Nine new exchanges are planned to be opened in 2000-2001 in Varanasi district.
(b)&(c) Required funds will be made available for the development plans for telecommunication facilities in Uttar Pradesh (East)
(d)At present 1,08,571 cellular mobile phones are working in U.P (East) including Varanasi and these are being provided by private operators.