The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is examining the proposal of increasing the amount of penalty to be imposed on operators in case they violate the radiation norms. Accordingly, the penalty is expected to get doubled from current Rs 0.5 million to Rs 1 million.
According to the recommendations made by a DoT panel, stricter measures are required to deter service providers from violating radiation norms since the matter involves public health and safety. The panel, however, has suggested that such penalties be levied prospectively.
Meanwhile, the panel has suggested lowering the penalties imposed on operators for the non-submission of documents regarding radiation emission from new telecom tower sites. It has recommended that the fine be reduced from Rs 0.5 million to Rs 5,000 for a delay of 15 days. The panel has, however, suggested a penalty amounting Rs 50,000 if there is a delay of more than 30 days in the submission of relevant documents.
