Connectivity in North East needs to be strengthened: Purno Agitok Sangma

SHILLONG: Tura MP Purno Agitok Sangma today said connectivity in the North East has to be looked at differently and strengthened as the region shared international boundaries.

"Connectivity is important, specially for a region like the North East," Sangma said at the Sanchar Seva Padak Award 2015 function here.

Stating that the North East was surrounded by international borders, he said "This area needs to be looked at differently."

Congratulating the efforts of the Centre towards improving connectivity in the region, Sangma said "Thirty years ago when I was an MP and whenever we went the people, I used to get memorandums on school buildings, furniture for the school, village roads and other needs. But now in my tenth term as an MP, whenever I visit the area... people want mobile towers."

Congratulating the awardees, he said BSNL employees have a tremendous responsibility to perform in the country and the region in particular.

Network connectivity in the North East was not at a comfortable level, said CGMT, NE-1 Circle D P Singh adding, Rs 5,300 crore was sanctioned for the region towards expansion and improvement of network connectivity.

Of the Rs 5,300 crore, Rs 2,000 crore was earmarked for expansion of network in Arunachal Pradesh and two districts of Assam including Dima Hasoa, he said.

"About Rs 2,800 crore is for the rest of the states for expansion of mobile network, Rs 300 crore for connectivity along the highways and another Rs 300 crore for strengthening of long distant telecom network," Singh added.