Odisha's Persistent Digital Divide: Over 1,200 Villages Await Mobile Connectivity
In a stark revelation of the digital infrastructure gap in eastern India, Odisha continues to grapple with significant mobile network deficiencies. According to official data presented in the state assembly, a total of 1,237 villages across Odisha remain without any mobile network coverage, highlighting a critical challenge in the state's journey toward digital inclusion.
District-Wide Disparities in Connectivity
The situation is most acute in the tribal-dominated and remote districts of the state. Rayagada district leads this unfortunate tally with at least 145 villages completely unconnected, making it the worst-affected among Odisha's 30 districts. This is followed closely by Malkangiri and Kandhamal districts, which also report high numbers of villages lacking mobile services.
Ganjam district occupies the fourth position with 104 villages without network coverage. In contrast, several districts demonstrate much better connectivity metrics. Balasore has only one village without coverage, while Jagatsinghpur has two. Dhenkanal and Bargarh districts each have four villages without service, and Bhadrak reports five such villages.
Government's Response and Ongoing Initiatives
Electronics and IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling provided these details in a written reply to the assembly on Monday, responding to questions from Bhubaneswar-Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena. The minister emphasized that both the Odisha government and the Central government recognize the imperative of extending mobile and internet services to every citizen as part of building a developed state.
"To build a developed Odisha, it is imperative that mobile and internet services reach every section of people in all areas," the minister's reply stated. "Both the Odisha government and Centre realize this and, under Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), there is a plan to install mobile towers."
Accelerated Tower Installation Under DBN Scheme
The government has initiated concrete steps to address this connectivity gap. According to the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), work is currently underway to install 944 mobile towers specifically targeting these uncovered areas. This infrastructure development is being executed under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme, with a completion target set for June 2026.
"Under the DBN scheme, the work of installing the remaining 944 mobile towers to provide mobile services to 1,237 villages that do not have mobile services is underway, which is targeted to be completed by June 2026," the minister's detailed reply clarified.
Progress Over the Past Year
The current figures represent a notable improvement from the situation just one year ago. In March 2025, the minister had informed the assembly that 2,603 villages out of Odisha's total 51,176 villages remained without mobile connectivity. The reduction to 1,237 villages indicates significant progress, though substantial work remains to achieve universal coverage.
Local Concerns and Broader Implications
Local leaders and community representatives have consistently raised concerns about the detrimental effects of this connectivity gap. They highlight that the absence of mobile networks creates major hurdles in multiple critical areas:
- Digital inclusion and access to online services
- Educational opportunities and e-learning resources
- Financial transactions and banking services
- E-governance initiatives and government service delivery
The disparity in connectivity between urban centers and remote villages continues to exacerbate existing socio-economic divides, making comprehensive network expansion not just an infrastructure priority but a fundamental requirement for equitable development.
