Panaji, June 3 (IANS): The Goa government on Wednesday announced the setting up of a task force for increasing efficiency in the telecommunication sector, including dealing with network and Internet connectivity issues which have been plaguing the state, especially industry and businesses in Goa.

According to a government spokesperson, the task force was set up by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as part of a set of recommendations made by the Economic Revival Committee instituted by the BJP-led coalition government in the state, to suggest ways and means to jump-start industry, in view of the economic slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Issues such as need for single-window clearance and single-point of contact, preparing a roadmap for better communication, challenges of optical fibre cables were discussed during the meeting. Sawant informed that a task force for telecommunication would be started, which will have representatives from concerned departments of Information and Technology," the spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"The need for Internet connectivity has gained prominence ever since Covid-19, where the need to work from home and e-learning has made last mile Internet connectivity crucial," the spokesperson said, adding that the Chief Minister was also considering allowing telecom companies to set-up mobile towers on government property due to hardships faced by operators in setting up towers in residential and other areas.