Pottangi: An unusual sight is routinely seen under a banyan tree at Deopanga panchayat under Pottangi block of Koraput —a large number of people crowding around a woman to withdraw pension money and some to check their bank balance. This is the only place of the panchayat where mobile network is reachable and the coverage is said to be strong enough to get things done.
Reports said, poor network has hampered banking services in inaccessible and fringe areas under Pottangi block. Panchayat staff and bank staff have to face difficulties when people, particularly beneficiaries of pension, gather under the tree to avail banking services in Deopanga panchayat. They deliver online banking services under Kiosk near a banyan tree at Karanjguda Chhak. Every day, a woman bank official visits the spot as network is available only at the place.
Though people have been approaching the administration for resolving the poor network issue, no step has been taken, locals alleged. Zilla Parshiad member Tikai Gemel said that she would talk to the Collector regarding the network issue.
Sarpanch Narendra Gadnayak said that MP Saptagiri Ullaka had visited the area recently and he had drawn his attention towards the network issue. He had proposed the MP to help set up a mobile tower in the area.