By IANS,
New Delhi : On the home ministry’s intervention, state-run telephone service Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has reduced call charges for paramilitary troopers posted in border areas from Rs.5 per minute to Re.1, an official statement said Friday.
The move will benefit central paramilitary force personnel deployed in remote areas or border out posts who were not able to keep in touch with their families due to inadequate communication links.
Troopers often had to cover long distances on foot to reach public telephone booths for communicating with their family members.
“The home ministry requested the BSNL to reduce the call charges to Re.1 per minute so that the paramilitary jawans posted in remote or forward areas can contact their families at the minimum possible expense,” the statement said.
“This will go a long way in boosting the morale of the jawans posted in remote and inaccessible areas,” it said.
Following the home ministry request, the BSNL has installed 400 digital satellite phone terminals (DSPT) at inaccessible locations at a cost of Rs.5.94 crore.