Bizodisha Bureau, Puri, July 9, 2015 : The much-awaited Wi-Fi service of the state owned BSNL is now in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri. This is a positive development ahead of the Nabakalebara Rath Yatra on July 18.

Union Minister for Information Technology and Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad launched the service in the presence of union minister of state [Independent charge] petroleum and natural gas] Dharmendra Pradhan, state energy minister Pranab Prakash Das, Puri MP Pinaki Mishra and local MLA Maheswar Mohanty and BJP state unit chief KV Singhdeo.

Bhaat Sanchar Nigam Ltd [BSNL] has already extended similar Wi-Fi facility in the world famous Sun Temple, Konark, in Odisha.

Inaugurating the service, Prasad emphasized the importance of the Digital India programme. While stressing on complete modernization of the Indian Postal department, the Union Minister called upon the people to avail maximum benefits under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

Prasad said 57 lakh accounts have been opened across the country under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and deposits to the tune of Rs 50 crore has been mobilized. He said he was happy that around two lakh accounts under the yojana have been opened in the state while there is a need for opening of more such accounts.

The BSNL is replacing 30 years old switching technology with the latest Next Generation Network (NGN) technology, the minister added saying that already 12500 lines have been replaced and during 2015-16,12750 lines have been planned to be installed..

Earlier in the day, Prasad laid the foundation stone for the Baramunda post office in Bhubaeswar building at a function held at Hotel Mayfair in the capital city at a project cost of Rs. 17 crores.

The Union Minister said there is a need for empowering the girl child using digital technology.

Prasad said though very little time is left for Lord Jagannath’s Nabakalebara Rath Yatra, his department will bring out a first day cover on Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath.