Efforts on to bring updated phone directory

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, JULY 23. The problems encountered by the subscribers in Pondicherry particularly after the opening of new exchanges resulting in changes in numbers were brought to focus at the second meeting of the Telephone Advisory Committee here today.

The General Manager of the BSNL, Mr. A. Subramanian, who presided over the meeting said efforts were made to ensure that the updated directory was brought out at the earliest. He referred to certain hurdles in getting the document ready and hoped that the directory would be available in the next few months. (The last directory was issued in 1998 before the ushering in of the BSNL when services were rendered by the then Department of Telecommunications).

Mr. Subramanian said presently the total working connections was over 70,000 and the installed capacity was for 94,000 telephone lines. This would rise further and with the opening of additional exchanges at Ilango Nagar, Ariankuppam, Thavalakuppam, Katterikuppam and Tiruvandarkoil, the BSNL would improve its efficiency by decentralising its work. Some 2,000 applications alone were pending for clearance. He said the subscribers should discourage paying of `tips' to any section of the staff.

Mr. Subramanian made this remark when some members complained that only when a hefty sum was paid was there a guarantee of the phone working properly. He pointed out that unless the subscribers cooperated this menace could not be eradicated.

The subscribers could register their complaints about the working of the phones through the number 197. ``We would keep vigil on the whole scenario'', he added. Mr. Subramanian explained the new systems introduced and said cellular service was being contemplated for the subscribers here. The present situation in Pondicherry was that there were 10 subscribers for every 100 people.

Subscribers expressed concern over the irregular restoration of roads after laying the cable. Mr. Subramanian said the BSNL had been depositing over Rs. 65 lakhs with the municipal authorities for the restoration of the roads after completion of the work. He said he would take up the matter with the authorities.

Mr. H.C. Mohanthy, Deputy General Manager, welcomed the gathering. Divisional Engineers, Mr. P.V. Dorairaj, Mr. Rajamannar, and Mr. Joy, were present.

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