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Journalism of Courage
Ministry of Home Affairs has approved introduction of mobile telephony in Jammu and Kashmir to bring the state closer to the rest of the country. The proposal is, however, awaiting clearance from the Defence Ministry.
Home Secretary N. Gopalaswamy told members of the MHA Consultative Committee today that there were plans to further revamp the communication system in the state, with a Rs 250 crore plan already under implementation to upgrade radio and TV systems.
While MHA had okayed mobile phones in April itself, sources said the Defence Ministry was reluctant.
It had raised objections over erection of antennae in the Srinagar Cantonment area, citing building by-laws. The proposal was being studied by the Defence Ministry and a decision was expected to be taken soon, sources said.
Introduction of mobile telephony in Jammu and Kashmir was postponed twice during the year.
First, Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee was to inaugurate it during his Srinagar visit in April and then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was scheduled do so in June but both the times, it was shelved due to ‘‘technical reasons’’.
Sources said the MHA had cleared the use of mobile phones in the state only after examining various aspects including their use in areas where militants are active.
‘‘We have already cleared it. It is the Army which has to clear it now. We are pursuing it,’’ Minister of State for Home I.D. Swami told the Consultative Committee.
