The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reportedly expressed support for a proposal to merge the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) into a single unified body. The objective is to streamline governance and enhance regulatory coordination in the increasingly convergent digital ecosystem.
The proposal, which has also garnered support from industry stakeholders, aims to resolve overlapping regulatory responsibilities, particularly in areas such as telecom services, app-based platforms, and over-the-top (OTT) content providers. This approach aligns with international practices, where several nations have adopted integrated regulatory frameworks to manage cross-sectoral convergence in communication technologies.
In March 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, in its eleventh report, recommended the establishment of a unified ministry to improve coordination and policy formulation amid ongoing technological integration. The committee also suggested forming a Media Council to regulate print, broadcast, and digital media under a common legal and policy framework.
Key industry bodies, including the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have endorsed the consolidation, arguing that it would allow for more coherent and effective policy decisions across the telecom, digital, and media sectors. However, the broadcasting industry has voiced concerns, expressing caution over the implications of a unified regulatory regime on its operational autonomy.
