GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.677

TO BE ANSWERED ON 5^TH AUGUST, 2011

Strengthening of TRAI

677. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a)    Whether the current structure of telecom regulator, TRAI working with or through Telecom Ministry/ DoT, poses a serious conflict of interest and influences the TRAI’s ability, independence and willingness to set and meet measurable results;

(b)   Whether Government has received any suggestions/ representations for strengthening the TRAI and making it more accountable to people of the country and parliament;

(c)    If so, the details thereof;

(d)   The action government has taken thereon; and

(e)   The steps government proposes to take to ensure appropriate review of TRAI’s outcomes based on rigour of process, legality, economic accuracy and propriety?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI MILIND DEORA)

(a)    No, sir.

(b)   To (d): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sent a consolidated proposal to department of telecommunications to consider various amendments in the TRAI Act, 1997 in 2008. The proposals sent by TRAI were examined in the Department of Telecom in consultation with other concerned Ministry/ Department. In august, 2010 the finalized views were sent to TRAI for its comments/ suggestions. While giving its comments TRAI has also suggested further amendments to the act. The revised proposals received from TRAI are being examined by the department.

(e)    The functioning of TRAI is already subject to examination/ review by various Parliamentary Committees like Standing Committee on IT, Committee on Subordinate Legislations, Committee on Paper Laid etc.

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