Hukiye N Tissica
Concerned Citizen of Dimapur
As a concerned citizen deeply invested in the development of our region, it is with great concern that I bring to light the ongoing neglect in the functioning of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in the North East-II (NE-II) Circle, comprising Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Despite BSNL being a Government of India undertaking, the situation in our region reveals a troubling disregard for our developmental needs, which, if left unaddressed, will continue to hamper our progress.
BSNL was once a monopoly in the telecom sector, with a stronghold across India. However, with the advent of private players like Reliance, Airtel, and Vodafone, the telecom landscape has become fiercely competitive. In response, the Government of India has provided substantial funding to revive BSNL, which has started to show signs of recovery nationwide. Unfortunately, this revival is not reflected in the NE-II Circle, where the progress is alarmingly slow, particularly in Nagaland.
The Government of India has ambitious plans to extend 4G services to approximately 25,000 new uncovered villages across the country, with Nagaland being a significant beneficiary. This initiative is crucial for the digitalization and rapid development of our state. However, while other private telecom operators have made inroads into important towns in Nagaland, BSNL remains the only viable option for providing coverage in remote villages. Sadly, the people of Nagaland are still waiting for the commissioning of 4G services, which is progressing at a snail's pace.
The situation in NE-II is further exacerbated by a severe lack of manpower, infrastructure, and leadership. The headquarters of NE-II, located in Dimapur, Nagaland, has been without a Chief General Manager (CGM) for several months. This vacancy at the top post is a glaring indicator of the neglect our region faces. Without a regular CGM, there is no leadership to drive the necessary changes and improvements in the BSNL network, leaving the employees demoralized and the system in a state of dysfunction.
Moreover, the office infrastructure in NE-II is in a deplorable state. The offices and quarters are either rented or in very poor condition, contributing to the low morale among the staff. There is an acute shortage of employees, with many being relieved from their duties without adequate replacements. The remaining staff are overburdened, with additional responsibilities often falling on personnel from NE-I, further diluting the focus on NE-II.
The neglect extends to the point where even employees completing their tenure are not being relieved in time, causing further disruption in the system. This lack of motivation and support is a significant barrier to attracting and retaining talent in our region, which is crucial for BSNL's effective functioning. It is imperative that the Government of India and BSNL's central administration address these issues urgently. The NE-II Circle, particularly Nagaland, cannot afford to be left behind in the digital revolution that is sweeping across the country. We need immediate intervention to fill the leadership vacuum, improve office infrastructure, and ensure adequate manpower to meet the growing demands of our region.
The potential for digital transformation in Nagaland and the entire NE-II Circle is immense, but it requires the commitment and action of those in power. Unless these pressing issues are resolved, the promise of transforming our region into a digital hub will remain a distant dream.
As a concerned citizen, I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action and ensure that the NE-II Circle receives the attention and resources it deserves. Our region's future depends on it.
