Union Minister Anurag Thakur unveils initiatives for border villages’ connectivity and tourism

During a recent address to over 350 elected panchayat members hailing from border villages across four states and a Union Territory, Union Minister Anurag Thakur unveiled the government’s ambitious mission to bolster road, telecom, and power connectivity in these regions.

Thakur, who also holds the portfolio for Information and Broadcasting, expressed the government’s resolute commitment to ensuring that border villages have access to essential amenities such as radio and television programming. He emphasised the government’s serious dedication to extending telecom connectivity, revealing plans for the imminent rollout of 4G connectivity within the coming year for these remote areas. Additionally, efforts will be made to amplify radio signals in far-flung regions and offer DD Free Dish services to households currently devoid of television connectivity.

According to reports, under the banner of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, the government has already commenced efforts to connect border villages with crucial infrastructure, encompassing roads, telecom services, and piped drinking water. With some villages already benefiting from these services, Thakur reassured that the remaining areas are slated to receive these amenities in due course.

Further detailing the government’s multifaceted approach, Thakur outlined forthcoming plans to promote tourism in border villages. Once foundational aspects such as roadways, telecom access, and water connections are established, the government will facilitate tourism through homestays, thereby offering villagers an additional avenue for income generation.

Notably, elected representatives from panchayats in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh were extended special invitations as honored guests for the Independence Day celebrations held at the historic Red Fort location.