Not aware of methods used in FCFS spectrum allocation : PM

Says that the decision was taken exclusively by the telecom minister

PTI | February 16, 2011



Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asserted he was not aware of the methodology of the controversial first-come, first-serve (FCFS) policy followed for 2G spectrum allocation by disgraced former telecom minister A Raja, which resulted in a huge scam estimated to be up to Rs 1.76 lakh crore.

"Who got the licences... how FCFS was implemented, this was never discussed with me nor was it brought to the cabinet.

This was exclusively telecom minister's decision," Singh said in an interaction with the editors from the electronic media.

He, however, said that since the the ministries of finance and telecom had agreed to continue with the existing policy of allocating 2G spectrum, "I did not feel that I was in a position to insist that auction must be insisted."

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"More reforms in Budget, but Opposition stalling process"

Stressing that the government has not given up on reforms, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said more reforms will be unveiled in the 2011-12 Budget, but blamed the Opposition for delaying the introduction of crucial Bills in Parliament.

"No, we have not given up on reforms. We will persist...

I sincerely hope in the (upcoming) Budget we will see a clearer picture of the reform agenda," Singh told editors of the electronic media.

He, however, blamed the Opposition, particularly the BJP, for not allowing Parliament to function, thereby delaying the introduction of more reforms.

Singh blamed the Opposition for the delay in introduction of the Constitution Amendment Bill on Goods and Service Tax, saying, "When the Parliament is not allowed to function, when the Opposition do not wish to cooperate with the path-breaking reforms of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

I am not afraid of appearing before JPC: Prime Minister

In the clearest signal that Government is ready for a Joint Parliament Committee probe on the 2G scam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that he is not afraid of appearing before the panel.

Asked during an interaction with television editors whether the government would agree to the JPC on 2G scam, he said "full efforts are being undertaken to see that some way will be found (to ensure that Parliament functions). I hope it will happen."

He also dismissed impression that he was blocking agreement on the issue between the government and the opposition as he did not want to appear before a JPC.

"My position is that I am not afraid of appearing before any committee. The PAC is a joint parliamentary committee, presided over a senior member of the opposition," he said.

 



 

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