Wi-Fi Choupal in this Uttarakhand village works only when visited by politicians

Ghes, a tiny village in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, was chosen as part of the Centre's 'Digi Gaon' scheme wherein 'Wi-Fi Choupals' were set up at different locations to provide people access to digital infrastructure and internet. The residents, however, claim that these Wi-Fi devices work only when the village is visited by politicians or government officials.

Chamoli (Uttarakhand):While most of us in the cities enjoy almost uninterrupted internet services round the clock, residents of a remote village in Uttarakhand can access internet only when they are visited by politicians or government officials.

Ghes, a tiny village nestled in the mountains of Chamoli district, was chosen as part of the Centre's 'Digi Gaon' scheme wherein 'Wi-Fi Choupals' were set up at different locations of the village to provide people access to digital infrastructure and internet.

However, locals are yet to avail the benefits of these 'Wi-Fi Choupals'.

"All our dreams of having a digital village have been shattered, " said a disgruntled villager.

Pointing to the Wi-Fi devices installed in their village, the man added, "It worked for a few days, but not anymore. It only works when some government official or politician is visiting the village, otherwise, it's of no use."

Echoing his claims, another resident of the Ghes said, "We were able to access internet for a month or so when the Wi-Fi was installed."

When ETV Bharat tried accessing the internet from the village, the Wi-Fi devices failed to perform.

In fact, the villagers have to travel three to four kilometres if they have to access the internet because of poor network connectivity in Ghes.

"We have to travel three to four kilometres to avail communication services, " said the villager.

While the central government continues to harp on its aim at making India a digitally equipped nation under its much-hyped 'Digital India' programme, Ghes serves as an example and a steep challenge before the government claims success.