2G: Maran objects to terms of reference of GoM on spectrum

New Delhi, Sep 25: Former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran had objected to the terms of reference given to Group of Ministers headed by the then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in 2006 and wanted it to be limited to only vacation of spectrum by Defence Ministry.

Maran raised his objection in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on February 28, 2006.

The former Telecom Minister under CBI scanner for allegedly favouring a Malaysian firm in the acquisition of Aircel by delaying the files of the latter has seen the some terms of reference of the GoM as impinging on the work of the Ministry.

"You had kindly assured me that the terms of reference of the GoM would be drawn up exactly we wanted, which was to focus only on the issue of vacation of spectrum. I am, however, surprised to note that the GoM as constituted has much wider terms of reference, some of which I feel impinge upon the work normally to be carried out by the Ministry itself," Maran wrote to the Prime Minister.

He suggested that GoM should discuss four points related to vacation of spectrum only -- recommend measures to make available additional spectrum, make available funds to Defence Ministry for more efficient systems, suggest measures of vacation of spectrum in a time-bound manner and suggest measures for early introduction of efficient digital broadcasting.

The decision to constitute a Group of Minister to look into the release of additional spectrum by the Defence Ministry was taken in 2006.

PTI