Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s message to stand by cable TV operators

  Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced to bring cable TV operators under the social security scheme. The Chief Minister will hold a meeting with the operators before Durga Puja to find out about their problems. Recently, at the 12th annual function of the Kolkata Welfare Association of Broadband and Cable TV Operators, the Chief Minister said over the phone that the government will ensure that every cable operator gets a Swastho-Sathi card. She said, ‘We have a Bhabiswat scheme. So that the government gives a grant of 5 lakh rupees. You can do business in rural areas with that money. I am always with you all.” On the occasion, the Mayor of Kolkata Firhad Hakim said, “Now MSO, only operators are not doing business. Big telecom companies are now in this business. They are coming and using direct-to-home and putting all these operators and their workers on the way,” said Firhad, adding that there are about 5 lakh cable operators in the state. Another 50 lakh people work with them. He added, “We have to make a policy. The small one closed because the big operator came in, it couldn’t happen. We could not bring Ambani, Adani. But, I stand by the poor people.” He said that big telecom companies are pulling overhead fiber lines illegally. While that wire is being cut and cleared, their lobby is simply making arresting the operators. Operators are being harassed by the police. Fire Minister Sujit Bose also was present on the occasion. Later, “Kolkata Gourav” was honored by the organization to meritorious people from various fields of society.