The Law Ministry has approved amendment of the Indian Telegraph Act to pave the way for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to roll out mobile networks in naxal prone regions across ten states bypassing the bidding route, a top official in the telecom department told ET.

The amendment is necessary since the Indian Telegraph Act does not allow the government to directly mandate BSNL to handle mobile coverage in naxal infested regions since the Rs 3,046-crore project is being fully subsidised by the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF). (courtesy: Economic Times).

BSNL has to act fast to ensure that the mobile networks in the naxal areas are rolled out efficiently and with speed. This will increase the credibility of BSNL