The Centre will ensure the supply of free Doordarshan DTH connections in far-flung areas in villages at the Indo-China border. He has also said that better mobile connectivity to residents of these remote villages will be ensured soon and the Government is committed to ensuring better all-round connectivity to these areas.

The Union Information and Broadcasting, Minister Shri Anurag Thakur said this during an interaction he had with the villagers at Karzok Village of Ladakh some 211 kilometres from Leh. 

It may be recalled that to achieve the goal of reaching out to the people living in far-flung and border areas through the platform of DD “FreeDish”, the government has proposed to distribute 1.5 lahks free FreeDish connections in villages in border areas.

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 a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by the residents in remote border villages on the Indo-China border, the Minister held close interaction with the local villagers and also administrative officials.

Accompanied by a team of officials and local representatives, Minister Shri Anurag Thakur interacted with local villagers in Kharnak and Samad among others and listened to their concerns and aspirations. At Kharnak, he inaugurated the PMGSY road connecting the highway of Dadh Kharnak.

The Minister discussed issues related to solar power, drinking water, housing for 32 households, a cycling track, an artificial lake, and tourism subsidies. Besides, border security, development of roads, mobile towers, wildlife issues, inclusion in the Vibrant Village Program, and settlement of nomads in 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 a solar plant, ultra-mega solar plant worth Rs 21000 crore, increased livelihood opportunity, and sanction of 375 mobile towers in Leh.