Telecommunication Services for Rural India

Abstract

The paper examines the problem from the socio-economic viewpoint of a welfare state. The work of the International Telecommunication Union and its bodies is summarised and the internationally agreed definition of rural telecommunication described. The currently favoured VHF/UHF radio technique is reviewed. The characteristics of rural India are stated and a village as also a typical village are defined. The needs of villagers, the administrative links of villages etc., are deduced. The spoken language problem is highlighted. Currently available facilities in the country are summarised. Through a discussion, the real needs of rural India are first highlighted and thereafter, the manner in which they could be met during the eighties is indicated. A large number of low power MF transmitters geared to transmit news in all the 114 spoken languages is recommended. It is also suggested that village-taluka and, if need be, taluka-district tele-links are managed for each state separately by a public corporation whose expenditure is shared equally between the State and the Centre. While the Posts and Telegraphs Department can have its say in the corporation, it brings the State into the picture with a sense of participation. Facilities must be limited to what is needed. Technology which can provide such facilities and which can be indigenously developed should be adequate.

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Notes on contributors

S.V.C. Aiya

Aiya (SVC) Prof. Dist FIETE b. 1911. Is at present. Consulting Electronics Engineer at Bangalore. Was educated at Bombay and Cambridge. Served as Professor, College of Engineering, Pune (1945–46); Principal, L.D. College of Engineering, Mohmedabad (56–58); Head, ECE Department, I.I.Sc. (59–69) and Director, NCERT (69–73). Known for his innovative teaching methods. Made pioneering contributions in atmospheric noise and lightning. Delivered keynote address at UNESCO-72 Conf. on Computer-Aided Instruction. Served on numerous Central and State Govt. Committees.

Served IETE as President (1959–60) and IETE Bangalore Centre in various capacities.