Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday stressed the need for coordinated and time-bound execution of the Union Government’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) programme, aimed at expanding mobile and 4G connectivity in J&K’s network shadow areas.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Dulloo directed Divisional Commissioners to monitor tower construction, electricity provisioning, and land-related issues at identified sites to ensure timely operationalization. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Secretary IT, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary Rural Development, and BSNL officials.
The Chief Secretary highlighted that out of 847 identified sites, BSNL has applied for electricity at 744, with 505 sites energized. Currently, 466 towers are operational, 98 erected, 95 ready for commissioning, while seven are off-grid and 19 under execution. Land issues persist at around 30 locations, which Dulloo asked Deputy Commissioners to resolve promptly.
Dulloo emphasized inter-departmental coordination, with the IT Department acting as the nodal agency, and urged BSNL to flag operational hurdles for swift resolution. He also reviewed the extension of 4G coverage under Bharat Net and Amended Bharat Net programmes, stating that improved connectivity will enhance governance, socio-economic growth, and access to public services in rural and remote areas.
The meeting also focused on the ‘Call Before U Dig’ (CBuD) initiative to prevent damage to road infrastructure. The portal currently has 40 registered agencies and 403 asset owners, with 176 unauthorized excavation cases recorded.
Additionally, 5G infrastructure mapping is underway, covering over 1.58 lakh assets, including poles, traffic lights, bus terminals, and government buildings. The Amended Bharat Net project targets 4,299 Gram Panchayats across the UT, with 10% scheduled for commissioning by December 2025 and 30% by June 2026.
Dulloo reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving universal mobile and broadband access, underlining that digital inclusion is key to bridging the urban-rural divide and accelerating overall development
