The Lok Sabha had passed the resolution recommending inclusion of 20 MPs in the JPC last week. The JPC has been mandated to recommend appropriate procedure for allocation and pricing of telecom licences and spectrum.
Replying to the debate, the Telecom Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal urged the JPC to look into the larger question of technology being available at affordable prices in telecom besides suggesting suitable measures to ensure transparent functioning of the system. Supporting the motion, the leader of the opposition in the House, Mr. Arun Jaitley defended the decisions taken by the then NDA Government.
He also alleged that even after recommendation by TRAI to reassess the market value of the spectrum and the price mechanism was not changed. Several other members from the opposition and ruling benches participated in the debate and put across their point of view. AIR Parliamentary Correspondent reports that most of the speakers spoke on expected lines before the House adopted the motion.
Meanwhile A Delhi court today allowed former Telecom Minister A Raja’s plea to participate in the proceedings in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case through video-conferencing. Special CBI Judge O P Saini said, in view of the fact that electronic video linkage is available both in the Patiala House court as well as in Tihar jail and nothing contrary has been brought to his notice, the prayer is allowed. Raja is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody till March 3.