MUMBAI, MAY 21: State cultural affairs minister Pramod Navalkar today described the telephones as the arteries of the country and stressed for its efficiency.

Speaking at a ceremony of distribution of `Sanchar Shree 1997' awards Navalkar said if the telephone lines were closed for day, it would lead to a loss of crore of rupees to the country and congratulated Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) for providing a better service to the people.

Former chairman of the Telecom Department H P Wagle, speaking on the occasion said there was tremendous progress in the field of telecommunication since last four five years and added that nigam has immense contribution in the development.

Navalkar gave the prizes including momentums certificates and cash on the occasion to 20 staffers on the occasion. The awardees and included officers, driver, peons.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.