The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to amend mobile service licence agreements. This is to initiate the process of auditing the account books of those private operators who have so far not complied with the exercise.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Sachin Pilot, minister of state for information technology said that the director general (audit), post and telegraph had suggested that since private operators are resisting submission of their account books for CAG audit, the licence agreement between DoT and the operators may be amended in conformity with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)?s rules, enabling CAG to audit private service providers in clear and plain manner.
He added that the director general (audit) post and telegraph has indicated that amendment of the licences was also necessary in view of the impending roll-out of 3G services by operators. Meanwhile, private operators have spoken out against the prospect of the CAG looking into their books of account and have refused to give complete information.
Asked whether the CAG has the power to audit the accounts of private service providers, Pilot said the matter is sub-judice and any change in the agreement may be considered only after the issue is finally adjudicated upon. On whether the CAG has powers to challenge or amend policy decisions of the government, Pilot cited the opinion of the Ministry of Law and Justice, which had said the CAG has no duty or power to challenge policy decisions taken by the government.
