A meeting of the District Telecom Committee (DTC) was held today under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, (Chairman DTC) to review the implementation of the District Action Plan. The DC expressed concern over the non-functioning of VSATs installed in Gram Panchayats.
“Although VSATs were installed way back (some during 2019), several sites are presently non-functional, particularly due to issues related to vendor change, maintenance gaps and infrastructure deficiencies,” he noted. He stressed ensuring proper functioning and optimal utilization of all VSATs, especially in remote and far-flung Panchayats.
He asked the ACD, BSNL Authorities and other stakeholders to take immediate corrective measures. The concerned departments were directed to ensure availability of power supply, physical security, space and effective network utilization in GP Bhawans and to extend full cooperation to PMA/PIAs for timely implementation of BharatNet works.
The meeting also reviewed the status of joint inspections under BharatNet. The DC directed concerned departments to take necessary action on inspection findings, including handover details, verification of missing assets and proper documentation of equipment handed over to the IT Department.
Emphasis was laid on regular monitoring, maintenance and upkeep of BharatNet infrastructure at the GP level and timely resolution of any infrastructural deficiencies to ensure uninterrupted services. Regarding the security of IT and BharatNet infrastructure, directions were issued to submit updated security status reports of GP Bhawans, installed VSATs, functioning CSCs and overall IT infrastructure, keeping in view past incidents and vulnerabilities.
The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the importance of strict usage of the “Call Before You Dig (CBuD)” App to prevent damage to underground telecom infrastructure and directed SE PWD R&B Circle Doda Kishtwar and concerned Executive Engineers of the PWD R&B and PMGSY Departments to ensure its mandatory and effective implementation during excavation and infrastructure works.
The promotion of the Sanchar Saathi Portal/App was reviewed and directions were issued to enhance public awareness regarding citizen-centric telecom services, security features and subscriber empowerment initiatives. The use of the Unified Sanchar Portal for telecom-related services and grievance redressal was also emphasized.
The status of applications on the Unified RoW Portal was also reviewed and it was noted that no Right of Way (RoW) application is pending as on date. Issues and grievances, if any, received from the general public, licensees, or infrastructure providers related to telecom infrastructure were also discussed and directions were issued for their prompt disposal through the DTC mechanism.