How is Scindia Meeting FM Sitharaman Enhancing Digital Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Constructive dialogue: Minister Scindia and Finance Minister Sitharaman held a productive meeting focused on digital infrastructure.
- Record investment: The northeastern region has seen a significant increase in project funding.
- Telecom growth: India's telecom sector is projected to significantly enhance its GDP contribution.
- Indigenous technology: India successfully developed its own 4G technology stack.
- Future plans: BSNL is set to expand its network and move towards 5G technology.
New Delhi, Oct 23 (NationPress) Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia engaged in extensive conversations with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and senior officials from the ministry on Thursday, focusing on methods to boost digital infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The dialogue highlighted the capital expenditure (capex) priorities for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, and the India Post Office.
“I had a fruitful discussion with the Finance Minister and senior officials about the capex priorities for @DoT_India, @MDoNER_India, and @IndiaPostOffice,” Scindia shared on the social media platform X.
“We explored innovative strategies to accelerate digital infrastructure development, improve regional connectivity, and modernize services while optimizing resource allocation for a more substantial impact,” the minister elaborated.
He emphasized, “Our shared objective is clear - to fortify these essential sectors as catalysts for growth and innovation, propelling a truly inclusive, digitally adept, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Last week, Scindia noted that the ministry’s funding for projects in the northeast region had reached a record high of Rs 3,447.71 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting a 74.4% surge from the previous year and over 200% growth in just three years. This achievement underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (MDoNER) to fiscal discipline, digital oversight, and timely execution.
Furthermore, India's telecom sector is projected to elevate its contribution to the national GDP from the current 12-14% to 20% over the next decade to twelve years. India has successfully developed an indigenous 4G technology stack, positioning itself as the fifth country worldwide to reach this milestone, achieved within a remarkable 20 months from concept to completion.
Scindia also stated that BSNL will extend its 4G network and eventually transition to 5G.
With 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, India accounts for 20% of the global mobile user base.