Amidst the increasing talks about cashless transactions in the country, the internet connectivity process is yet to keep pace with developments in all the panchayats across Odisha, posing problems for people in rural areas.
The National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) scheme was launched in 2013 to provide high-speed internet connections to the panchayat offices. Under the scheme, 18 districts of the State were included in the first phase, out of which Jagatsinghpur and Mayurbhanj were selected as models.
As per the scheme, high-speed internet connections were to be provided in all panchayat offices within two years from where the service would be made available to public service centres and other Government offices.
However, sources said only 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the project has been completed in the panchayat offices where the Gigabyte Passive Optical Network (GPON) device has not yet been installed.
Even though there is accessibility of internet connection in the panchayats, common people are yet to derive any benefit from it. The situation is similar in the two model districts, sources added.
Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to provide internet connections in the remaining 12 districts under the Bharat Net scheme. In this regard, an MoU is planned to be signed between the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), the Odisha Space Application Centre (ORSAC) and the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation limited (OPTCl).
A survey would be conducted to commission electric poles in the pattern of Andhra Pradesh for internet connections. The GPS would gather the information about the position of each electric pole and take images.
While the State Government plans to provide internet connection in all the districts by February next, doubts have been raised in meeting the target. Internet is an imperative need to make cashless transactions a success.
The Centre is focussing on completing 90 per cent of internet connection work across the country by March-end. However, in view of the poor status of internet connection work carried out by the Central agencies in Odisha, the State authorities are uncertain about meeting the target.