SHILLONG, Dec 7: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP) on Wednesday suggested the state government to implement the Automative Indian Standard (AIS)-140 standard GPS-based vehicle tracking system in Meghalaya with the help of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) due to its better presence and coverage here.
A delegation of the FKJGP, led by its president, also called on Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong in this regard.
Asking the state government to implement the mechanism through BSNL considering its statewide network and coverage, FKJGP president Dundee Khongsit said, “The FKJGP would strongly suggest that BSNL, through its local establishment at Shillong, Meghalaya, should be nominated by the Government of Meghalaya for implementation of their Vahan Suraksha state-backend AIS-140 project.”
Dundee said the Centre has mandated the introduction of the mechanism in every state under the Nirbhaya Framework, and has also allocated funds amounting to Rs 10.4 crore each for two-year maintenance from the date of introduction of the same.
The FKJGP maintained that the implementation of the vehicle tracking system has become the need of the hour in view of the safety concerns of the people, especially women, travelling within the state.
Arguing that the project should be implemented by an agency which not only has local presence but also experience, Khongsit said, “The project requires district-level and state-level execution, and it must be done by a PSU or any government entity having presence in the state and having network coverage and support facilities in Meghalaya.”
Reminding that the Centre has mandated utilisation of services of BSNL by all departments, he said the BSNL being is one of the largest national telecom service providers and is already providing services to the state.
“It (BSNL) has a state-wide presence, and network and coverage even at the village level. It has a state telecom circle in Meghalaya, located in Shillong. BSNL has already set up 4G towers across the state and is covering every nook and corner of the state, including remote and rural areas,” he said.
Pointing out that the BSNL has been recognised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for integration with VAHAN database for activation, registration, health check, alert updates, as required for the implementation of the project, the FKJGP president said, “Being local, BSNL will be executing the project through local telecom circle, and it will help in retaining the entire funds, GST and revenue to be earned from the implementation of the project within the state, which can be utilised in the development of the state and for the benefit of its citizens.”
“Also, being a local establishment, this will give a boost to local employment and will be able to ensure job opportunities for Khasis, Jaintias, Garos and scheduled castes/tribes, in accordance with Personnel & Administrative reforms of the Government of Meghalaya,” he added.
