Respected Honorable Prime Minister of India,
With due respect and reverence, I would like to state that internet is the most important aspect of one’s life in today’s modern world. As Article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights says,
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions and expressions and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
On 1st July 2016, the UN’s Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in Geneva, in which the council affirms that human rights that apply in the non-virtual world must apply in cyberspace with the same strength. It also acknowledged the role of internet in promoting affordable educational opportunities around the globe.
More importantly, Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and expression to all the citizens of India. Additionally, the Supreme Court has made it official that internet access is a fundamental right of every citizen of India.
Now, keeping in the view the current situation in the country, as well as the whole world because of COVID-19, our doctors are finding it extremely difficult to communicate, and disseminate latest information and awareness about COVID-19. Doctors are also missing out the latest updates and guidelines by the WHO, and finding it difficult to adopt the right safety measures of different health organisations to avoid the outbreak of COVID-19 patients.
I, as a teacher, am also facing challenges in sharing online lectures and classes to my students, and it’s also affecting my education system. We are facing enormous trouble during this tough phase of the pandemic. The limited internet speed is also affecting the country’s economy badly. Besides these, the press, media journalists, businessmen, advocates, students, and even a common man’s life is being badly affected due to the limited speed of internet for a really long time.
Here, let me share your tweet of 2012, when the first strike against our fundamental rights was held by the Congress government. According to your tweet: “As a common man, I join the protest against crackdown on freedom of speech! Have changed my DP ‘ Sabko Sanmati De Bhawgan.’ #GOIBlocks”
The dream of Digital India cannot be achieved without open internet. We are in a tough phase of the pandemic and I look forward to a new hope that the ban on 4G speed of internet is lifted soon.
Yours sincerely,
Mohammad Iqbal Kanal,
Teacher District Baramulla,
Jammu and Kashmir