Union Information and Broadcasting, Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday announced that the Centre will ensure supply of free Doordarshan DTH connections and better mobile connectivity in far-flung areas in villages at Indo-China border.

He said, "The Government is committed to ensure better all-round connectivity to these areas."

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting said this during his interaction with the villagers at Karzok Village of Ladakh some 211 kilometres from Leh.

According to a official press release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the government has reportedly proposed to distribute 1.5 lakh free Free Dish connections in villages in border areas.

The Minister assured the local villagers that their demands for better digital connectivity and road connectivity, enhancing tourism infrastructure, sports infrastructure and improved “Jal Jeevan Mission” would also be implemented on a priority basis.

As part of the Government’s vibrant village programme, the Union Minister embarked on a comprehensive three-day tour to Leh-Ladakh, during which he stayed in Karzok village, held meeting with UT and District officials to review Central/State Government Schemes and distribution of Sports equipment at Karzok, interacted with the ITBP jawans at Karzok platoon post located about 15000 feet above sea level on Indo-China Border.

Aiming to assess the reach of various projects and schemes of the Government and also gain first hand understanding of the challenges faced by the residents in the remote border village, the Minister held close interaction with the local villagers and also administrative officials.

Accompanied by a team of officials and local representatives, the Union Minister interacted with local villagers in Kharnak and Samad among others and listened to their concerns and aspirations.

While at Kharnak, the Minister also inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road connecting the highway of Dadh Kharnak.

Apart from this, the Minister discussed issues related to solar power, drinking water, housing for 32 households, cycling track, artificial lake, and tourism subsidy. Besides, border security, development of roads, mobile towers, wildlife issues, inclusion in the Vibrant Village Program, settlement of nomads at one area.

During one of his interactions with locals, the Minister asserted that after the formation of UT a lot of development has taken place in Ladakh such as direct funding, 24-hour electricity, installation of solar plant, ultra-mega solar plant worth Rs 21000 crore, increased livelihood opportunity, and sanction of 375 mobile tower in Leh.

The Minister further added that hat every household in the remote area of Changthang region has been provided with water supply through Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

Thakur then unveiled plans for future initiatives that would further enhance the development of Changthang and surrounding villages which include upgrading infrastructure for better connectivity and promoting eco-tourism to leverage the region’s natural beauty.

“The concerted effort of Modi government would lead to increased tourism development in Changthang,” he said.

During his visit to Puga Residential School, the District Youth Services and Sports Department distributed sports equipment and kits among the students. The equipment was distributed in the school of Karzok as well.  He then went to Chumur where he interacted with the Jawans as well as the villagers about their issues mainly the road connectivity.

Additionally, while interacting with the jawans of the 37th ITBP post, Mr. Thakur spoke about the reforms undertaken by the government to provide all facilities for the forces posted at the border, including improved combat wear, armament and pensions.

“The visit to vibrant village Changthang signifies a significant step towards empowering rural communities, uplifting their living standards, and fostering sustainable development in the region. With dedicated efforts and a collaborative approach, the government aims to create vibrant and self-reliant villages that will contribute to the nation's progress and prosperity,” the release stated.