Srinagar, Oct 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all administrative departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), local authorities and other public entities to ensure time-bound processing of permissions for telecommunication infrastructure, including optical fibre networks, 5G services and BharatNet projects, across the Union Territory.
The directions, issued through Government Order No. 1699-JK(GAD) of 2026, seek to ensure uniform implementation of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, while accelerating the expansion of digital connectivity.
Under the order, all public entities owning or managing public property have been instructed to facilitate the establishment, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and expansion of telecommunication networks in accordance with statutory provisions.
Authorities have been directed to process Right of Way (RoW) applications transparently, expeditiously and without discrimination within prescribed timelines. Applications cannot be rejected except on reasonable grounds, which must be recorded in writing. Departments have also been prohibited from imposing additional permissions, charges or conditions beyond those allowed under the Act and Rules.
For BharatNet and other government projects, suitable government buildings, Gram Panchayat Bhawans and other public premises will be made available for installing and operating telecommunication equipment. The order also provides for unhindered access, including round-the-clock access wherever necessary, to authorised representatives of the BharatNet Project Management Agency, BSNL and other designated entities.
Emphasising the protection of existing infrastructure, the government has directed public entities to ensure that telecommunication installations on or through public property are not obstructed, damaged or interfered with. Agencies undertaking civil and utility works have been asked to coordinate with service providers to prevent damage, with restoration and compensation to be governed by statutory provisions.
The order further calls for promoting shared infrastructure, including common ducts, conduits, cable corridors and utility networks, to minimise repeated excavation. Existing government-owned infrastructure, including optical fibre and optical ground wire (OPGW), may also be utilised subject to technical feasibility and approved agreements.
Departments have been instructed to provide suitable electricity connections and essential support infrastructure for telecommunication equipment installed on government premises. For BharatNet installations, dedicated electricity connections, fixed monthly charges and centralised payments by the BharatNet Project Management Agency will be implemented.
Another key provision requires every department, PSUcorporation, board, local authority and public entity to nominate an officer of the prescribed rank as a nodal officer for telecommunication and RoW matters.
The designated officers will act as single points of contact, coordinate with stakeholders, monitor pending applications, ensure their timely disposal and submit compliance reports. The Information Technology Department will maintain and update the list of nodal officers.
The government has also directed administrative departments to issue necessary instructions to subordinate offices at divisional, district, block, tehsil, municipal and panchayat levels. Deputy Commissioners, District Magistrates and heads of departments will be responsible for ensuring coordination among field agencies.
The Information Technology Department has been designated as the nodal administrative department for overall coordination and monitoring. All departments and public entities have been asked to furnish requisite information within prescribed timelines and comply with guidelines and directions issued by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.
The directions will apply to all telecommunication infrastructure and Right of Way matters across Jammu and Kashmir and will remain in force until modified, withdrawn or superseded by the government, or rendered inapplicable by subsequent legislation or directions of the Central Government. (Agencies)