New Delhi: Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with senior officials of the Department of Telecommunications, Department of Posts and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, gave a detailed briefing to the Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and senior officials of the Finance Ministry in New Delhi about the capital expenditure priorities and medium term plan (up to FY 2030) of the three departments for FY 2025–26.
The said meeting mainly focused on accelerating the development of digital infrastructure in the country, ensuring maximum utilization of resources, improving regional connectivity and strengthening India’s development framework through fiscal discipline. The Union Finance Minister appreciated the reform-oriented approach of the Ministries and underlined the importance of departmental synergy to ensure co-ordinated and inclusive national development.
BSNL moving towards self-reliance through technology and financial restructuring
The Department of Telecommunications presented the roadmap for BSNL to become self-reliant and financial reforms under ‘Path to Self-reliant 2025–2030’. The presentation highlighted BSNL’s achievement of operating profit after 17 years, indigenous 4G network expansion and steady improvement in financial indicators.
Future investment priorities also include 4G and 5G network expansion, modernization of infrastructure and digital systems, and accelerating land monetization initiatives to ensure economic stability and competitiveness of the telecom sector. The Department also underlined that these reforms are aimed at making BSNL a dividend-paying, self-sustaining entity by the end of the decade.
Department of Posts to create profitable and digitally integrated logistics ecosystem
In the said meeting, the Department of Posts presented its Modernization and Transformation Roadmap, in which emphasis was laid on transforming the Department of Posts into a financially self-reliant logistics and financial services organization. Key initiatives include creation of automated parcel hubs, modernization of 25,000 post offices and 1,600 employee colonies, and integration of digital payment systems to provide seamless service to citizens.
The department also emphasized on infrastructure and process reforms to increase operational efficiency, improve service standards and strengthen last-mile connectivity. These initiatives are aimed at making the Indian Postal Department a leading logistics organization that can fully meet India’s growing e-commerce, export and financial inclusion needs.
Aiming to empower North Eastern states as India’s growth engine
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region presented its capital investment priorities and proposed allocation for the 16th Finance Commission before the Union Finance Minister, highlighting the strong project execution record and high fund absorption capacity of the region.
The ministry outlined new initiatives such as the UNNATI Scheme (for industrial development), financial inclusion measures from the Banker’s Conclave, and the ‘Brand Northeast’ program (in which specific products and industries of each state are promoted under the approach of ‘Vocal for Local, Local to global).
In today’s meeting with the Union Finance Minister, special emphasis was laid on outcome-based governance reforms, digital monitoring system and coordinated planning, so that North East India continues to lead as one of the fastest growing regions of the country.
Shared vision of an inclusive, digitally empowered and self-reliant India: Scindia
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated the shared commitment of the three departments, who are working towards making India a strong and forward-looking country. He said communications, logistics and regional development are the backbone of India’s growth story, ensuring access, efficiency and equity across all sectors.
He also underlined that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focused on building a digitally empowered, regionally balanced and self-reliant India that exemplifies inclusive and sustainable development.