The number of mobile phone connections in Chhattisgarh has reached more than 1.66 crore during the last 17 years, officials informed.
Whereas at the time of State formation the number of mobile connections were close to nil, they informed.
Telephone density in state is 65.92% and national average is 80.44%. With the aid of Central Government, State Government is continuously developing and expanding mobile communication network for promoting communication revolution in Chhattisgarh.More than 2000 Gram Panchayats have been linked through national optic fiber network by Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNl).
The Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS), under State Government's Information and Technology Department, is operating more than 5000 public service centres, wherein caste and domicile certificates, marriage certificates, birth-death certificates are issued and 37 other government services are provided online.
Chief Minister Raman Singh has also announced Soochna Kranti Yojana (SKY) for promoting Digital India Campaign started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under this scheme, 45 lakh poor people, women and college students will be provide free smartphones.
It is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh is the first state of the country to have developed information technology network for expansion of telecommunication network.
Providing mobile phone facility in rural areas of state is another important objective of this scheme. With the smartphones distributed under this scheme, people will be able to avail various government public welfare schemes in less time.
Expansion of telecommunication network has also made it easier for the state government to transfer financial aid under schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Government has also started Bastar Net Project in seven districts of Naxal-affected Bastar Revenue Division, with the support of Central Government, to expand telecommunication network. Under this project, nearly 832 km long optical fiber cable ring system will be laid at the cost of Rs 40 crore.