Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications Dr. Pemmasani Chandrashekhar reviews telecom and rural development schemes in Raipur
Raipur 27 July 2025: The Central Government is working on a plan to install 400 new BSNL towers to strengthen digital communication in Naxal-affected and remote areas of Chhattisgarh. This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Shekhar in Raipur today. Dr. Shekhar said that phased action will be taken after getting the necessary approval from the security forces and the Forest Department for the installation of these towers. He said, “BSNL is providing high quality 4G services in the country today, and with this expansion we are realizing the mission of providing digital connectivity to the last village of the country.” Satisfied with the implementation of the schemes, Dr. Shekhar chaired a high-level review meeting held in Raipur, which was attended by senior officials of the Rural Development Department, Department of Posts, Department of Telecommunications and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
During the meeting, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the rapid and effective implementation of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) by the State Government. He said that these schemes are bringing remarkable changes in the rural infrastructure and housing sector. Innovation for Women Empowerment The Minister of State for State for Women Empowerment praised the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and said that innovative efforts like ‘Pink Auto’ are being made in Chhattisgarh to make women empowered and self-reliant, under which women-owned pink autos are being provided. This initiative can also become an example for other states to follow. He said that financial assistance, training and marketing opportunities are being provided to self-help groups by linking them with various schemes. This is increasing the opportunities for women to become self-reliant and self-employment.
Dr. Shekhar informed that development works are being implemented in “mission mode” in Naxal-affected areas. A strategy is being adopted to deliver services to every household in these areas. He said, “Schools in these areas are being digitalized, which is now helping students in preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET. Along with this, special facilities are also being provided for disabled students, which is a sensitive and inclusive initiative.” Government schemes are reaching the last person At the end of his address, Dr. Shekhar said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the public welfare schemes of the Central Government are now reaching the last citizen of the society. Even deprived, tribal and inaccessible areas are now witnessing rapid development and change.” He also said that the government aims to implement ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ by strengthening the digital, physical and social infrastructure in an integrated manner.
