Despite the entire nation now on the verge of moving into 5G in terms of telecommunications, some villages in Garo Hills still lack basic telecommunication services – even during the time of the COVID pandemic.
The matter was brought to light after a memorandum was submitted by a group of people from the Awegre Development Committee in SGH.
The complaint by the development committee stated that the villages of Awegre, Anchenggre, Rongchanggre, Pasimgre and Dana Adugre, all under Chokpot Block in SGH were yet to receive any network services as no service providers have begun operating in the areas.
What is stark is the fact that these areas lie only about 20-25 kms from the town of Tura, the so-called hub of Garo Hills.
The plight of the people from these villages was on Friday brought to the attention of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma by the Secretary of the Awegre Development Committee, Chegan N Marak. Marak, in his memorandum submitted through West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh urged the Chief Minister to personally look into the matter.
“With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the lack of communication facilities has been highlighted and people are now facing many challenges that were not there earlier. Besides depriving the people of knowledge and information, we are unable to have access to any assistance provided by the government or even register ourselves for Covid vaccination,” Marak said.
According to Chegan, the lack of network has affected the student community in a drastic manner due to them being unable to attend online classes.
“They can’t communicate or interact with their teachers and institutions. There has been progress made towards digitalization in other areas but these places are suffering due to a lack of it,” said Chegan.
The development committee members have sought the CM’s intervention into the matter stating that the development of a communication is a must in these trying times.
“Network and communication service is something which is desperately required in these villages. We hope that you will look into the genuine appeal of the people,” he added.
