Digital India was launched by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 1 July 2015 to ensure that Government services are made available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity or by making the country digitally empowered in the field of technology. The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. The vision of Digital India programme is inclusive growth in areas of electronic services, products, manufacturing and job opportunities etc
Kiphire District Situated in the most remote part of Eastern Nagaland is also a part of Digital India. Various programmes related to Digital India is been observed. However, on connectivity part, it has no or hardly connectivity and communication infrastructure Due to which various untold difficulties and problems were faced by the Govt depts., Students and Citizens in the District. We are in a global world but Kiphire is yet to Bridge the Digital Divide.
The key e-governance agencies like NSWAN and NIC too are not in a position to provide internet services/facilities. Now, if some of these agencies which were only meant to provide and facilitate e-services in the District don’t have connectivity, how can anyone imagine an individual citizen of Kiphire to have an internet services? The only VSAT available at DC office, which was managed by the NIC is been damaged since from the beginning of this year. Other option like NSWAN is not to be mentioned as the BSNL services rarely visit the District. The citizen visits CSC which is running under the initiative of NSeGS however even this couldn’t help them on e-services due to connectivity problem. An appeal has been made by Administration, NGOs and concern individuals however, snap down of OFC cable etc has always been made an excuse.
Private telecom services like Airtel, Aircel is operating in the District but unreliable internet connection. Even a phone call goes after making several attempts and that too hardly speaks. Aircel 3G sometimes connects Kiphire but network is always inconstant. We are in Digital Nation, as such whether we have or not all the programmes/works that needs to be done through online services should be followed by the Govt departments/Students/ Citizens with the rest of the Digital Nation. Government has also already created the e-governance application for many departments but all these services could not be used by the Citizen of Kiphire District. Sometimes, its upset seeing Students and Citizens running from pillar to post to avail online related services. One who can offer help is helpless.
Therefore, it is fervently appeal to the concern department to kindly look into the matter on priority and find out the ways and means to connect Kiphire at the earliest. As connectivity has become the basic necessity in day today’s life. Please don’t wait for the NGOs/ public pressure to start up your assigned duties. As most of the time I have been explained by many that since no one is pressuring for the problem faced by citizen the concern officers/departments are not serious in taking up the issues. But be it Govt departments or private companies we are hired just to do the needful job and you are assigned to satisfy your citizen through your services. Your responsibility is to meet the needs and wants of your citizen in your own level.
Kiphire District shares an international boundary with Myanmar in the East, hence special focus on connectivity must be given in this areas so that it will be a boost for the state and the district in making the Digital India into reality.
Horiba Sangtam
Kiphire.
