THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is all set to become the first state to have high- speed internet connectivity in all panchayats by March 2015. IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty and Chief Secretary E.K. Bharat Bhushan made a presentation on the project at the cabinet meeting.
It is part of the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) which seeks to connect all grama panchayats with high-speed internet connection. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said 50-sq-ft area would be earmarked in each panchayat for setting up the facility. A total of 800-km cable is required for the project of which 150 km has already been laid.
Experts say once the broadband connectivity is achieved, the people in the state would receive enormous benefits through e-governance programmes. In fact, broadband connectivity had been a major constraint in delivering e-governance effectively so far. Hence it is great catalyst for taking of e- governance initiative to the next level.
The programme which is being implemented by BSNL Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL) is being monitored by IT and and LSG departments. It me be noted that the Kerala State Wider Area Network (KSWAN) project of the IT Mission has already integrated over 3,500 offices and e-district project has connected about 98 per cent villages.
Besides, Kottayam and Kozhikode have been connected with the National Knowledge Network (NKN) project being implemented by the National Informatic Centre.
Meanwhile Panel to look into flex ban
A ministerial committee will look into the concerns expressed by various sections over the decision to ban flex boards and regulate the use of plastic. At the cabinet briefing, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the government decision on banning flex boards and regulating plastic use had received mixed response from various sections.
Many people had pointed out that a large number of workers would lose jobs because of the ban.
He said considering this, a panel of ministers comprising Power Minister Aryadan Mohammad, who is also in charge of Pollution Control Board, Forest and Environment Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Consumer Affairs Minister Anoop Jacob would hold meetings with the stakeholders, including workers engaged in flex-making units. The committee will place its report in the next cabinet.
However, Mr Chandy said the government could not turn a blind eye to the enormous hazards being caused to environment because of the use of such materials.
“We are ready to listen if people come up with practical suggestions to avoid the factors that had prompted the government to enforce the ban,’’ he added.
