No signal, no bride: Parents reject marriage proposals over lack of mobile network in Anugola

Anugola: Lack of mobile connectivity has become a major challenge for residents of six villages in Odisha’s Anugola district, affecting everything from education and healthcare to emergency communication and even marriage proposals.

The affected villages, located under Jharabeda gram panchayat in Palalahada block, are Jambua, Goitasarei, Raipal, Banamuhana, Barabahali (1) and Barabahali (2). Despite repeated appeals to the administration and public representatives, villagers allege that no concrete steps have been taken to provide mobile network coverage.

According to locals, the absence of mobile connectivity is now affecting marriage prospects for young men in the villages. They said families of prospective brides often refuse marriage proposals after learning that the villages do not have mobile network access.

The connectivity gap has also disrupted education. The panchayat has one high school, three primary schools and two upper primary schools. Students are unable to access online learning resources and other digital services because of the lack of network coverage.

Residents said making an emergency phone call often requires climbing a tree or reaching a nearby hilltop to catch a signal. The situation has also made it difficult for families to stay in touch with members working as migrant labourers in other states.

The lack of communication facilities has also affected the flow of emergency information and access to healthcare services, villagers said.

Demanding immediate intervention, residents have urged the government to install mobile towers in the six villages at the earliest and provide reliable network connectivity to end their long-standing communication problems.