(a) whether the Government proposes to set up new telephone exchanges in the country during
the current year;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether the Union Government has received proposals for opening of new telephone
exchanges from various States; and
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise alongwith the reaction of the Union Government
thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK
SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 217 FOR 27TH AUGUST, 2007 REGARDING SETTING UP OF NEW TELEPHONE
EXCHANGES.
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. State-wise information with regard to setting up of new telephone
exchanges by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) during the current financial year is given
in the Annexure. No exchanges have been planned by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)
in Delhi and Mumbai because there is no waiting list at present. However, existing equipment
is redeployed for improving telecom services and providing cutting edge technologies.
(c) Yes, Sir. BSNL has received proposals for opening of new telephone exchanges from
Rajasthan, Mizoram and Tripura States.
(d) Proposal for opening of new telephone exchange in Rajasthan has already been included
in the current year plan of BSNL. Proposals have also been received from Mizoram and Tripura
recently which are under consideration as per norms. New telephone exchanges are opened based
on telephone demand. Accordingly, plan has been made to open 136 new telephone exchanges in
various States during the current year as given in the Annexure.