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EC asks for full report on new telecom policy

The Election Commission has asked the cabinet secretary to "urgently send a full and comprehensive report giving details of the revenue-sharing arrangements made by the government with basic and cellular telephone operators.''

The Congress, the CPI-M and some other political parties objecting to the recent changes in the telecom policy had sought the commission's intervention.

They contend that the government, functioning as a caretaker, does not have the powers to effect such changes.

The Opposition parties are of the view that the revenue-sharing arrangement has been made in violation of the model code of conduct at the cost of a huge loss of revenue to the exchequer.

Parliament has been bypassed by the government while taking the decision, they say.

The commission has noted that the issue has received wide coverage in the electronic and print media. There are also reports that the Department of Telecommunication, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, and telecom operators have different perceptions on the issue.

UNI

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