Uttarakhand – Despite the Centre launching the BSNL 4G Saturation Scheme in 2022 to provide mobile connectivity in unserved areas, several villages in Uttarakhand’s Ghaad region continue to remain outside the network coverage zone. Years after the scheme was announced, residents say they are still waiting for basic telecom services and internet access.
The situation has raised concerns as villagers in at least nine villages — Haljaura, Belki, Inayatpur, Ibrahimpur Masai Kala, Gokulwala, Danda, Banwala, Shahmansoor and Daudbasi — continue to live without reliable mobile connectivity. In some locations, residents reportedly have to climb onto rooftops just to catch a weak signal and make phone calls.
What has further frustrated locals is that repeated requests have already been submitted to the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and telecom authorities, but the problem remains unresolved. Villagers say the lack of network connectivity is affecting education, communication, digital banking and access to government services.
The BSNL 4G Saturation Scheme was launched with the objective of connecting remote and uncovered villages, expanding access to digital services, strengthening online education and promoting the Digital India initiative. While new towers have been installed in several parts of the country and older towers upgraded to 4G technology, residents claim the benefits have not reached their villages.
Haljaura village head Swami Ghanshyam said multiple representations have been submitted to authorities demanding the installation of a mobile tower in the area. However, no concrete action has been taken so far. According to him, villagers continue to face daily difficulties due to the absence of mobile and internet services.
The lack of connectivity has also become a serious concern during emergencies. Residents say they often struggle to contact family members, doctors or emergency services during accidents and medical situations. Students face difficulties in accessing online educational resources, while digital payment services and banking applications frequently remain unusable.
Farmers are also among the worst affected, as they are unable to access timely information related to weather forecasts, crop insurance schemes, agricultural programmes and market prices. Several government services linked to Aadhaar, ration cards, pensions and Ayushman cards are also difficult to access without internet connectivity.
Officials acknowledge the problem but say the matter is pending at higher levels. Junior Telecom Officer Kanchan Kant stated that establishing a mobile tower requires an investment of around ₹20 lakh. He said the issue has been referred to senior authorities and the villages are expected to be covered under the saturation scheme, though no timeline has been announced.
The continuing absence of mobile connectivity in these villages has raised questions about the pace of implementation of rural digital infrastructure projects. For residents, promises of digital inclusion remain largely on paper while basic communication services are still out of reach.
