Jammu: Broadband Internet services in Government-run-hospitals along with SMS on mobile phones have been restored in the Valley after the state remained isolated, in seclusion for 150 days since the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K.
However, Internet and pre-paid mobile services in Kashmir are yet to be restored.
Addressing the media, Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal said the toll posts across the J&K region including Lakhanpur, Railway Station and the Airport will be open for industry and trade
“The J&K government levies toll on import and export of various commodities under provisions of J&K Levy of Toll Act 1935. The abolition will cost the UT exchequer nearly Rs 1,500 crore,” he said.
The administration has set up around 900 touchpoints across the Kashmir Valley to facilitate internet access to government officials, students, contractors, tour operators which helped nearly six lakh people he said.
While BSNL resumed its landline services on September 5, post-paid mobile phone services for all operators were restored on October 14.
SMS resumption won’t change much in terms of business transactions unless Internet services are up. While OTP is created only in case of online transactions, bank customers will benefit in terms of receiving SMS relating to cheque clearances, ATM withdrawals, bank account balance and other messages.
A high-level committee under KK Sharma, advisor to Lt Governor is set up for improving the industry competitiveness.
Market intervention scheme for apple procurement has been extended till March 2020 for which over 19 lakh metric tonne of harvested apple has been exported so far.
However, the Government continues to hold former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti under detention.