(iii)Need to improve the telephone services in the country, particularly in Sitapur district, U.P.

SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA (Sitapur): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, today on the one

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hand telephone facility is being provided rapidly in the different parts of the country by the Government, but on the other hand telephone consumers are facing a lot of problems due to in efficiency and in activeness of the telephone department. Defective telephones non-materislisation of S.T.D. calls and the negligance of telephone staff towards the trunk booking calls have become a general complaint these days all over the country. Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh is also not spread from this problem. Telephone of the consumers here are mostly remain out of order. Telephones in rural areas are mostly in dead condition and it is a matter of regret that despite making the complaints there are not repaired for weeks. Trunk booking facility has become worthless, There is no response from the exchange for booking the calls despite the continuous ringing of bell. Tired of this, the consumers of Biswa, Maholi, Hargaon and Laherpur have to come to Sitapur causing wastage of money and time. And they are compelled to think that telephones are only for local calls.

Therefore, I urge upon the hon. Minister of Communications to take stern action so as to improve efficiency and competence in the department so that telephone users may take its full advantage and provide S.T.D. facility at Biswa, Maholi, Hargon, Laherpur in Sitapur district.

[English]