National   

Ban on pre-paid mobile service a “setback” in J&K

SRINAGAR: The Union Home Ministry’s ban on pre-paid mobile service in Jammu and Kashmir has drawn flak with people alleging that it is not only a setback to their sense of confidence but has also thrown thousands of people out of jobs.

Nearly 40 lakh subscribers were using pre-paid services from various networks finding it difficult to cope with the crisis. According to estimates, the pre-paid market in the State touched Rs.100 crore, with over one lakh people getting employment directly or indirectly. Over 20,000 people, especially youth who are into retailing business, will find themselves jobless.

As the deadline to recharge mobile phones ended on Sunday night, chaos ruled Srinagar and Jammu cities with people thronging shop counters to either recharge the mobile or enquire about conversion to post-paid. Beyond January 2010, only top-up facility will be available. People are questioning necessity for the “sudden ban” without giving them even a week’s time to convert the connections.

“The ban came soon after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh concluded his visit to Kashmir which was supposed to help build confidence on the ground,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a shopkeeper, adding “By doing so New Delhi cannot win our hearts.”

“The procedure for getting a mobile connection could have been made more stringent than taking this decision in a huff,” said a subscriber Israr Ahmad, who pointed out that his had family six connections, all pre-paid. “Post-paid service is a cumbersome process to pay the bills and the service providers charge higher rates and it leads to disputes,” said Irshad Ahmad, a student.

But the pre-paid market was vibrant in Jammu and Kashmir and it was a major source of earning for service providers. “There are 40-45 lakh customers of pre-paid service in the State,” said Vivek Kumar, marketing head of Tata Indicom in the State.

Political parties have also criticised the Home Ministry’s decision, while the State government said it would take up the issue with the Centre.

Terming the decision ill-advised, People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to restore pre-paid mobile service. She expressed surprise that, on the one hand, the Centre was claiming that situation in the State had improved and, on the other, denied the people facilities like mobile service.

Why was such an oppressive measure taken in the name of security threat, she asked.

National Conference MP Mehboob Beig said the move was unwise, while Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Nazir A. Dar said it would send a wrong message.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Centre issues directive on NREGS in naxal belt
Hearing today on Swamy’s plea to scrap Sethu project
Justice Bhandari tops the list
After PM’s clean chit, who am I to question Raja: Amar Singh
Paying obeisance
Govt to introduce Hib vaccine from next year
Tackling dissidence
Lalgarh movement completes one year
Committee begins probe
“Holistic approach needed”
Congress yet to decide on tie-up for Jharkhand
Buddhadeb to visit Maoist-hit district
‘TC patronising Maoists’
PMO approves performance evaluation system
Ban on pre-paid mobile service a “setback” in J&K
Hearing today on Swamy’s plea to scrap Sethusamudram project
Holistic approach needed to ensure food security: Swaminathan
Congress, NCP still keep talking on portfolios
It’s a good step, I welcome it: Sorabjee
Special stamp on Apollo Hospitals released
As fire dies down, environmental crisis looms large
Buddhadeb to visit Maoist-hit district for security review
“BJP’s ideology has become parochial”
Why is elevation issue still kept pending, asks Bar Association
Hib to replace DPT and Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccines

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu