BJP asks PM for probe into reports on allotment of spectrum

New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Taking note of reports that CAG isinvestigating the loss of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in theallotment of scarce S-band spectrum, BJP today asked PrimeMinister to clear the air, initiate an inquiry and take stepsto recover the lost revenue.

"This whole affair is vitiated by fraud. And as a result,this country is facing not only loss of revenue but fritteringaway of valuable national asset which is a rare spectrum," BJPspokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

A newspaper report claimed CAG is investigating theallotment of 70 MHz from the available 2500 MHz of S-bandspectrum to Devas multimedia for 20 years. The company isowned by M G Chandrasekhar, former Scientific Secretary atISRO.

BJP demanded this agreement be immediately nullifiedand the spectrum space given to the private user be recovered.

"Secondly, we demand a comprehensive inquiry to establishthe criminality in the whole matter. We also demand recoveryof the lost revenue," Sitharaman said.

The party alleged this is a "very serious scandal" as itinvolves a "very unique and rare" spectrum. It also said sincethe Department of Space is directly under the Prime Minister,he should immediately clarify his stand on the whole issue.

"The spectrum we are talking about is 5-G which relatesto GHz. Recently, BSNL and MTNL were alloted only 20 MHz forRs 12,487 Crore. But for allocation of 70 MHz to this privateoperator, the government is charging only Rs 1,000 Crore,"Sitharaman said.

Meanwhile, the office of CAG has clarified that itsinvestigations into the issue are at a preliminary stage andthe media reports should not be treated as findings of thisdepartment.