The Secretaries’ Panel might seek the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) inputs on a possible bailout of the telcos to reduce the stress that the telecom sector is facing currently. This decision has come in the backdrop of the recent order given by the Supreme Court on adjusted gross revenue computation.
The panel is also considering meeting the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), and the telcos – Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea as well, while seeking written inputs and suggestions from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI.
As per industry sources, once the direction for the making of the proposals are given, the DoT will be asked to seek the views of the law ministries on their feasibility (only on the aspects of Supreme Court order).
Any possible decision regarding the package will come before the expiry of the three months period from the date Supreme Court’s order was announced. The Supreme Court’s order was announced on October 24, 2019.
