The District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee (DDCMC) chairman and Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills district has warned against causing damage, obstruction or opposition to existing and upcoming telecommunication services in the district, as they are considered essential services under the Essential Services Maintenance Act of 1986.
In a notification issued today, the chairman said the public should strictly comply with the directives as legal action will be taken against any miscreants spreading misleading information relating to health effect EMF emission or create opposition against installation of duly approved telecom infrastructures. The public are also urged to report incidences of damage to telecom infrastructure to the appropriate authority.
Informing that telecommunication services are key infrastructure and are included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) since they are necessary services the chairman said telecom services are a public good and a driving force behind the country’s socioeconomic development. Mobile phone and broadband services are essential contributors to India’s economic growth and give significant benefits to the general public, the chairman added.
The government of India has approved Telecom Services Providers and Internet Services Providers to provide Telecommunication Services and install Active and Passive Telecom Infrastructure, respectively, under the Department of Telecommunication (DOT).
