Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai meets Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Sanchar Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday July 31, 2026 to discuss the expansion of digital connectivity and seeks approval for 2,305 new mobile towers under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme for remote and tribal regions of the state-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai meets Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia; thanks Centre for approving 577 additional towers in remote and Left Wing Extremism-affected regions
Raipur: In a significant push towards digital inclusion, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday met Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Sanchar Bhavan in New Delhi and sought the Union Government’s approval for 2,305 new mobile towers under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure across the state’s remote, tribal, border and geographically challenging regions.
The meeting focused on expanding digital connectivity to underserved areas, ensuring that reliable mobile and internet services reach the last village and the last citizen in line with the vision of Digital India.
Strengthening the Digital Backbone of Rural Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Sai said the state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of technology are not confined to urban centres but extend to every remote habitation across Chhattisgarh.
He noted that robust digital infrastructure has become an essential requirement for modern governance and inclusive development, enabling citizens to access quality education, healthcare, banking, digital payments, e-governance services and various welfare schemes without geographical barriers.
“Digital connectivity today is no longer merely a communication facility; it is the foundation of social and economic transformation,” the Chief Minister said.
2,305 Proposed Towers to Transform Remote Regions
Highlighting the state’s proposal, the Chief Minister said that the installation of 2,305 new mobile towers would bridge the communication gap in remote and tribal areas where difficult terrain has historically limited telecom expansion.
The proposed towers are expected to provide reliable mobile coverage and high-speed internet to hundreds of villages and settlements that continue to face connectivity challenges, thereby integrating them into the digital mainstream.
Gratitude for 577 Additional Mobile Towers
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai expressed his appreciation to the Union Government and Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for approving 577 additional mobile towers, particularly for remote and previously Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.
He described the approval as a significant step towards improving connectivity in districts such as Bastar, where enhanced communication infrastructure will support development, governance and public service delivery.
The Chief Minister said stronger mobile networks would improve emergency response systems, facilitate better coordination between citizens and government agencies, and accelerate development activities in difficult-to-access regions.
Land Clearances Progressing Rapidly
Providing an update on implementation, the Chief Minister informed that the state government has already issued land-related No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to BSNL for 489 out of the 577 approved tower locations.
The remaining 88 locations are currently under the final stages of administrative processing, and approvals are expected shortly.
He added that tower installation work has already commenced at sites where clearances have been completed, with the state government coordinating closely with district administrations and concerned departments to ensure timely execution.
Digital Connectivity to Strengthen Education and Healthcare
Chief Minister Sai emphasized that expanding mobile and internet networks would directly benefit students, youth, women, farmers and rural families.
Improved connectivity will provide students with greater access to online learning platforms, digital educational resources and skill development programmes. At the same time, telemedicine services will enable residents of remote villages to consult medical specialists without travelling long distances.
He also noted that stronger digital infrastructure would make banking services, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), digital payments and online government services more efficient and accessible, reducing the need for rural citizens to visit distant administrative centres.
New Opportunities for Bastar and Tribal Communities
The Chief Minister said Bastar and other tribal regions are witnessing a new phase of peace, development and infrastructure expansion. Alongside roads, electricity, healthcare and education, digital connectivity is now emerging as another key pillar of inclusive growth.
Reliable internet access, he said, will help local youth access online education, employment opportunities and skill training while enabling farmers to receive real-time information on weather, agricultural technologies and market prices.
Self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs will also gain better access to digital marketplaces, creating new avenues for economic growth and financial inclusion.
Commitment to Inclusive Digital Growth
Reaffirming the state’s vision, Chief Minister Sai said Chhattisgarh is moving steadily towards comprehensive digital transformation.
He expressed confidence that approval of the proposed 2,305 mobile towers under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme would significantly enhance digital infrastructure, promote inclusive development and ensure that the benefits of technology reach even the most remote tribal and forest regions of the state.
