The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has told the Parliament that it is currently reviewing proposals to increase the jurisdiction of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), as well as make it more accountable to the Parliament.
Currently, TRAI is subject to examination by several Parliamentary committees, such as the Standing Committee on IT, the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, the Committee on Papers Laid, etc.
Prior to this, in 2008, TRAI had sent an independent set of consolidated proposals to DoT to consider various amendments in the 1997 TRAI Act. These proposals were examined by DoT in consultation with several other ministries and departments. In August 2010 DoT finalised its views on the TRAI?s proposals and sent them back the regulator for its comments and suggestions.
Thereafter, TRAI has suggested additional amendments to the 1997 TRAI Act. The revised proposal is currently being examined by DoT. In all, TRAI has asked DoT for increased authority in matters pertaining to spectrum management and an overall restructuring to ensure its financial independence.
