Government not to waive interest on AGR dues says the centre

The telecom minister has recently conveyed it in the Rajya Sabha that the government has ruled out any waiver or lowering of interest, penalty or interest on penalty on unpaid statutory dues of Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea based on adjusted gross revenue (AGR).

The telcos have filed review petitions in the Supreme Court on AGR dues, seeking a waiver of penalties and interest charges.

Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel owe Rs 540 billion and 430 billion, respectively, as AGR dues.  In all, the telcos owe Rs 1.47 trillion to the government as AGR dues.