Digital Inclusion Reaches Remote Border Areas
Assam has now achieved full mobile coverage in all its border villages. The success is part of the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme. Under the plan, 4,696 border habitations now have mobile network access. This marks a significant digital milestone for the state. It ensures people in remote regions can call, surf, and access services online. This move also supports national security and cross-border communication. The push started in fiscal 2020‑21 and continues through 2024‑25.
Assam and Sikkim Hit 100% Coverage Milestone
Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar told Parliament that Assam and Sikkim now have full mobile coverage in all territorial habitations. This includes areas that were previously offline due to terrain or logistical issues. Other Northeast states are catching up. For instance, Meghalaya has covered 1,238 of 1,272 villages. Mizoram now covers 365 of 378. Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura also continue to progress. Arunachal Pradesh still lags. More than 300 of its settlements remain without reliable mobile connectivity.
Major Statewide Impact and Benefits
This wide coverage helps villagers access digital services like telemedicine, e‑learning, and banking. It also supports farmers using weather apps or e-market platforms. Women and youth now connect easily to job networks. Grievances can be registered digitally. Local workers can stay linked with families and markets. Battery backups and solar towers helped overcome power issues in remote zones. Overall, this effort helps improve quality of life across Assam’s border belt.
Scheme Backed by Huge Funding
The Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme allocated ₹1,775.53 crore to connect remote villages. Telecom providers built new towers under viability rules. Other support came from both central and state budgets. Plans include more towers and better 4G upgrades soon. This approach ensures every village can get stable signal. It also helps monitor cross-border security. The cost-effective model attracted telecom players to underserved markets.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite progress, some villages still lack good signal quality. Rain and dense forests can disrupt service. Providers need power backup and maintenance plans. Payment for infrastructure requires constant review. The state must continue support through both funds and policy. Future steps include expanding mobile broadband and planning 5G in key towns. Regular checks will help maintain service in tough seasons like monsoon.
Community Voices and Local Feedback
Many remote villagers have welcomed the change. Now they call helplines, book online services, and stay in touch with family during emergencies. School teachers can live-stream classes. Traders now track market prices quickly. Local health workers say telehealth has become easier. Community feedback shows increased digital trust and adoption across age groups. These comments support the value of full mobile access.
Regional Implications and National Relevance
Assam’s achievement sets an example for the Northeast. It aligns with India’s goal of digital inclusion in border regions. It also supports national security and connectivity missions. Other states can adopt similar models. The success shows that remote management and telecom can be scaled up. It boosts Assam’s profile as a digital-ready frontier state.