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Scindia Meets Sitharaman: How India's Digital Push Will Transform Connectivity

Two key ministers met to accelerate India's digital transformation. They focused on optimizing spending across telecom, postal and regional development departments. The northeast region has seen massive funding increases with 74% growth this year. India's telecom sector is poised to significantly boost its economic contribution through expanded 4G and future 5G networks.

Key Points: Scindia Sitharaman Digital Infrastructure Regional Connectivity Meeting

  • Ministers discussed capex priorities for telecom, northeast development and postal departments
  • Northeast region spending hit record Rs 3,447 crore with 74% annual growth
  • India's telecom sector aims to increase GDP contribution from 12% to 20%
  • BSNL plans nationwide 4G expansion with eventual 5G network upgrade
2 min read

Scindia meets FM Sitharaman to boost digital infra, regional connectivity

Union Ministers discuss telecom, northeast development and postal service modernization to accelerate India's digital growth and regional connectivity initiatives.

"We explored strategies to accelerate digital infrastructure development, enhance regional connectivity, and modernise services - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

New Delhi, Oct 23

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday had a detailed discussion with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior ministry officials, exploring strategies to accelerate digital infrastructure development and regional connectivity.

The discussions centred around the capex priorities for Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region and India Post Office.

"Had a constructive discussion with Finance Minister and senior officials of Finance Ministry on the Capex priorities for @DoT_India, @MDoNER_India, and @IndiaPostOffice," Scindia posted on X social media platform.

"We explored strategies to accelerate digital infrastructure development, enhance regional connectivity, and modernise services with an optimising resource allocation and stronger impact," the minister added.

He further stated that "our shared goal remains clear - to strengthen these vital sectors as engines of growth and innovation, and to advance a truly inclusive, digitally empowered and Aatmanirbhar Bharat".

Last week, Scindia highlighted that the ministry's expenditure on projects in northeast had touched an all-time high of Rs 3,447.71 crore in FY 2024-25 -- marking a 74.4 per cent increase over the previous year and more than 200 per cent growth in three years. This performance, he noted, reflects the emphasis of the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER) on fiscal discipline, digital monitoring, and timely delivery.

Meanwhile, India's telecom sector is poised to increase its contribution to the country's GDP from the current 12-14 per cent to 20 per cent over the next 10 to 12 years. India has developed an indigenous 4G technology stack, making it the fifth country globally to achieve this capability. The development was completed in a record 20 months, from concept to a full 4G stack.

The minister added that BSNL will expand its 4G network and eventually upgrade it to 5G.

India now has 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, representing 20 per cent of the world's mobile population.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see indigenous 4G technology! This is real Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action. The 74% increase in NE spending shows commitment to inclusive development. More power to our ministers! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
While the intentions sound good, I hope there's proper monitoring of these projects. We've seen many digital initiatives announced but implementation often lags. Hope this time it's different with the digital monitoring they mentioned.
A
Arjun K
BSNL upgrading to 4G and eventually 5G is much needed! Competition will bring better services and prices for consumers. The telecom sector contributing 20% to GDP would be massive for our economy 💪
K
Kavya N
The focus on Northeast region is commendable. For too long these areas have been neglected. Digital infrastructure can bridge the development gap and create new opportunities for our brothers and sisters there.
M
Michael C
Impressive numbers - 1.2 billion mobile subscribers! That's the power of India's digital revolution. Modernizing India Post along with telecom infrastructure makes perfect sense for last-mile connectivity.

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