SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all administrative departments, local authorities, public sector undertakings and other government-controlled bodies to implement the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, mandating transparent and time-bound processing of applications for telecom infrastructure and prohibiting additional requirements beyond those permitted under the statutory framework.
The directions were issued through Government Order No. 1699-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 29, by the General Administration Department under the orders of the Lieutenant Governor.
Under the order, public entities managing government property must facilitate the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and relocation of telecommunications networks. Applications seeking right of way (RoW) permissions must be processed in a transparent, expeditious and non-discriminatory manner within the prescribed statutory timelines.
The government has directed that no application be rejected without reasonable grounds recorded in writing. Authorities have also been barred from imposing additional or inconsistent requirements, permissions, charges or conditions beyond those allowed under the Act, the Rules and directions issued by the Department of Telecommunications.
Where applicable, applications must be processed through the online mechanism designated by the Department of Telecommunications.
The order seeks to facilitate the expansion of optical-fibre networks, 5G and other advanced communication systems, BharatNet connectivity, common ducts and cable corridors across the Union Territory.
For BharatNet and other government telecommunications projects, suitable government buildings, Gram Panchayat Bhawans and other premises must be made available wherever required. Authorities have also been directed to facilitate uninterrupted access, including round-the-clock access where necessary, for authorised representatives of BharatNet project management agencies, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and other authorised entities.
The order requires public bodies to protect telecommunications infrastructure installed on or passing through public property. Agencies carrying out civil works or utility projects must coordinate with service providers to prevent damage, with restoration and compensation to be dealt with under the applicable statutory provisions.
Departments and agencies have also been asked to facilitate shared ducts, conduits, cable corridors and other common infrastructure to reduce repeated excavation. Existing government-owned utility infrastructure, including optical fibre and optical ground wire (OPGW), may be used subject to technical feasibility and approved agreements.
Where telecommunications equipment is installed on government premises, suitable electricity connections and essential infrastructure must be provided in accordance with the relevant project guidelines. For BharatNet equipment, the order calls for implementation of provisions concerning dedicated electricity connections, fixed monthly charges and centralised payment by the BharatNet project management agency.
Each department, public sector undertaking, corporation, board, local authority and other public entity must nominate an officer of the prescribed rank to serve as the nodal officer for telecommunications and right-of-way matters. The officers will act as single points of contact, coordinate with stakeholders, monitor pending applications, facilitate their disposal and submit compliance reports.
The Information Technology Department has been designated as the nodal administrative department for coordination and monitoring. It will maintain an updated list of nodal officers, while the designated officer of the UT Administration will coordinate with the Department of Telecommunications and the concerned Licensed Service Area for the preparation and submission of compliance certificates.
Administrative departments have also been directed to issue implementation 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 order states that inter-departmental issues must be resolved through designated nodal officers without avoidable delay, with authorities required to follow a single-window, time-bound approach.
The government said the directions would remain in force until superseded, modified or withdrawn, or rendered inapplicable by subsequent legislation or directions of the Central Government. The order also clarifies that central laws, rules, notifications and directions will prevail in the event of any inconsistency.
