ITANAGAR, Oct 16: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Friday chaired a coordination meeting with representatives of the Army, Air Force, the State Information Technology Department and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to strengthen telecommunication connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in remote and border areas.
The meeting, held at Lok Bhavan and initiated by the Governor, aimed to bring key stakeholders together to improve coordination and accelerate the expansion of telecom infrastructure in the state.
Emphasising the importance of reliable connectivity, the Governor said telecommunication was no longer a luxury but an essential service linking people with education, healthcare, government services, livelihood opportunities and the wider digital economy.
He called for a collective approach in line with the national vision of Digital India and the Vibrant Villages Programme, ensuring that residents of even the remotest border villages could participate in the country's digital transformation.
The Governor encouraged all stakeholders to maintain regular communication, share operational requirements and explore opportunities to pool infrastructure, technical expertise and logistical resources. He said better coordination would help avoid duplication, optimise available resources and accelerate the expansion of connectivity. He also underlined the importance of recognizing the complementary roles of the defence forces, BSNL and the State Government in addressing the unique geographical and infrastructural challenges of the state.
Recalling the assurance given by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command regarding the Indian Air Force's commitment to supporting the people and the state government, Parnaik advised the Air Force to assist BSNL in transporting equipment required for installing telecommunication towers at inaccessible locations.
The Governor said improved connectivity would not only enhance the quality of life of people but also strengthen national security. He called for a practical, solution-oriented approach, with clearly defined responsibilities and regular follow-up, to translate the discussions into tangible outcomes.
Senior representatives of the Eastern Air Command, Headquarters 3 Corps, Headquarters 4 Corps, BSNL and the State Government attended the meeting.