Villagers in Assam’s Sribhumi climb trees for mobile signal amid digital India push

In a striking example of the digital divide, several villages in Assam’s Sribhumi district remain deprived of even the most basic mobile connectivity. 

While the rest of the country rapidly transitions to 4G and 5G services, residents of Rangkhal, Upper Rangkhal, and Manishyapur under Vetaibandh Panchayat in Ramkrishnanagar constituency struggle to make phone calls.

Villagers say they are forced to climb trees or hills in search of mobile signal, turning simple communication into a daily struggle. Locals have expressed frustration, questioning whether this truly reflects the promises of development and progress.

Adding to the discontent, residents allege that MLA Bijoy Malakar had assured them before elections that network services would be established in the area. However, villagers now claim that the commitment has remained unfulfilled, leaving them digitally disconnected.

Appealing to the state leadership, the community has urged the Chief Minister to intervene. “Please give us the opportunity to become smart as well,” one villager said, reflecting the collective plea of the region.