The BSNL under its CSR programme has extended the validity of SIMs of all its users till 3 May 2020 and allowed Rs 10 talk value, keeping in view the problems they are facing in recharging due to closure of shops for lockdown

With more than 85% tele density in Odisha Telecom Circle, there are nearly 3.60 crore mobile connections in the State. Telecom operators like BSNL, Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-IDEA are operating in the State.

During lockdown period, mobile shops and recharge centres are closed down and people are facing lot of trouble in utilising their cell phones. Taking up the Peoples’ Cause, Chief General Manager, BSNL Odisha, US Panda has brought it to the notice of the State Government in this regard, said sources.

Odisha has around 28 lakh BSNL customers who are elderly people and those in rural Odisha use mostly voice calls only. There is hardly internet facilities working in rural areas and these elderly people are not aware about the online recharge mode facilities.

So these people are facing lot of problem in communicating with their near and dear, admit officials.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has, meanwhile, issued revised guidelines to include mobile recharge points as public utility services.

Under this backdrop, the CGM BSNL has requested the State Government to allow opening of the mobile recharge points as public utility service. Allowing the shops which run ICT products will go a long way in helping people.

The MAIT, the apex body representing India’s ICT sector has approached the State Government to allow such facility.