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| Inclusive Development | | | The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved provision of land for installation of mobile towers in underserved areas across the Union Territory. The move is aimed at strengthening high-speed telecom connectivity in remote and border villages.
It would help extend reliable connectivity to remote and border communities and ensure that geographical location does not become a barrier to access to digital services and opportunities.
The proposed expansion of mobile infrastructure should be viewed not merely as a telecom initiative but as an important component of inclusive development. A student in a remote village should have the same opportunity to access online learning resources as a student in Srinagar or Jammu. A young entrepreneur should be able to explore digital markets, apply for government schemes and conduct business online irrespective of geographical location. Similarly, patients in remote areas can benefit from telemedicine, while farmers and other workers can access weather information, market prices and other useful digital services.
The decision assumes even greater significance in border areas. Reliable communication infrastructure can improve access to emergency services and strengthen the ability of residents to remain connected with government institutions and the rest of the country. Border communities are not merely inhabitants of difficult geographical zones; they are important stakeholders in the Union Territory’s social and economic development. Ensuring that they receive modern infrastructure can also contribute to greater confidence and a stronger sense of inclusion.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on effective implementation. Land provision must be followed by timely installation and commissioning of towers, uninterrupted power supply and adequate backhaul infrastructure. Telecom operators should be encouraged to extend services to commercially difficult locations rather than concentrating only on densely populated areas. Regular monitoring is also necessary to ensure that the intended benefits actually reach underserved communities.
The government should also consider mapping remaining connectivity gaps at the village level and prioritising areas where schools, health centres, tourism destinations, border settlements and other public institutions remain poorly connected. Connectivity planning should be integrated with broader digital-governance and infrastructure programmes.
Jammu and Kashmir’s development cannot be truly inclusive if geography determines who can participate in the digital economy. Mountains, distance and remoteness should not become barriers to opportunity. By extending reliable telecom connectivity to underserved and border areas, the government can help create a more connected, empowered and digitally inclusive Jammu and Kashmir. The objective should ultimately be clear: no village should be left behind in the digital transformation of the Union Territory. |
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