Cabinet approves mobile services in uncovered villages of aspirational districts

New Delhi, Nov 17: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for provisioning of mobile services in uncovered villages of aspirational districts across five states-Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha. The project envisages to provide 4G based mobile services in the 7,287 uncovered villages of 44 aspirational districts across five states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra & Odisha at an estimated cost of implementation about Rs 6,466 crore including operational expenses for 5 years. The project would be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The project will be completed within 18 months after the signing of the Agreement and likely to be completed by November 23. The work related to provision of 4G mobile services in identified uncovered villages will be awarded through open competitive bidding process as per extant USOF procedures. The present proposal for provisioning of mobile services in the remote & difficult uncovered areas of aspirational districts across five states will enhance digital connectivity useful for self-reliance, facilitate learning, dissemination of information and knowledge, skill upgradation and development, disaster management, e-Governance initiatives, establishment of enterprises & e-commerce facilities, provision of adequate support to educational institutes for knowledge sharing & availability of job opportunity and fulfilling the vision of Digital India promoting domestic manufacturing and fulfilling the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat etc.