AGARTALA, July 12 (TIWN): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar blamed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) authority for using obsolete materials and accessories here in the state, which had ultimately lowered the telecom services. A serious allegation has come out following the complaint of locals here. He said, “The whole world would now depend on Tripura which is getting connected with international gateway for internet service with Bangladesh.” Sarkar was addressing his key note during the launching programme of Agartala-Bangladesh telecom connectivity via Agartala Akhaura. Sarkar blaming the BSNL authority said, “The obsolete items which are not used in other parts of the country are being used here in Tripura and as result the telecom service here has deteriorated.” Adding to that Sarkar said that the state government had been receiving several complaints for the past many years against BSNL over using all kinds of obsolete materials. However, interestingly during the programme Union Telecom Minister Ravi Sankar Prasad rubbishing the allegation of Manik Sarkar said, “There is no such complaint with the BSNL authority received so far.” Prasad said, “The BSNL had already intensified its telecom service here in the northeastern region and is moving forward with high intensity services.”

Prasad said, “The BSNL had added 47 lakhs active customers in last one year.” Now Tripura and other North Eastern states would get the internet speed at par with Delhi or Chennai, he informed hailing Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

Besides, CM Manik Sarkar prior to the address of Minister Ravi Shankar said, “On a hardcore effort of the state government Tripura is all set to get the international gateway of internet service linking Bangladesh.”

In this regard Union Minister Ravi Shankar poked, “I urge the BSNL authority to work on this project maintaining quality so that Manik babu is not blamed again.”

Sarkar also reinterring his blame on Central Government said, “Even after the passage of 68 years of independence the filthy attitude of the then central government lead the northeastern region undeveloped.”

Drawing the attention of Union Minister, Sarkar claimed that the mobile service is not being implemented here properly. Rural Tripura is not being connected properly, Sarkar added.

BSNL has already taken up works to lay the underground cable up to Akhaura while the remaining part would be done by Bangladesh.

BSNL officials said it would take five to six months to have the connectivity from Cox's Bazaar's submarine cable. At present, the state is having problems with the internet facility as it depends on submarine cable in Chennai.

Sarkar asked BSNL authorities to be cautious regarding the quality of so that it could attain world class quality.