Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has dominated out any aid for telecom firms on the difficulty of Adjusted Gross Income (AGR) dues, stating that the federal government has no plans to waive curiosity or penalties following the Supreme Court docket’s verdict. In an interview with The Occasions of India, Scindia emphasised that the matter has been settled by the apex court docket and there’s no proposal on his desk to revisit it.
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No AGR Waiver After Supreme Court docket Verdict
Responding to queries on the continued monetary struggles of Vodafone Concept (Vi), Scindia made it clear that the federal government is not going to enhance its fairness stake within the firm past the present 49 %, and it’s now the corporate’s accountability to deal with revenue and loss and the steadiness sheet, in keeping with the report dated Might 31, 2025.
“Based mostly on authorities coverage, we transformed near Rs 36,000 crore of Vodafone Concept’s dues into fairness. We’re at 49 % in the present day, and I don’t see us growing that fairness stake within the close to future, in any respect. It is the accountability of every firm,” he mentioned.
This assertion follows Vi’s late-night earnings report on Friday, Might 30, 2025, by which the corporate posted a consolidated internet lack of Rs 7,166.1 crore for the quarter ending March 2025.
At its Friday assembly, Vi’s board accepted the elevating of Rs 20,000 crore by a follow-on public provide (FPO), personal placement together with certified institutional placement (QIP), or some other permissible mode.
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Vodafone Concept Should Handle Its Personal Revival
The minister underscored that telecom firms are chargeable for managing their very own monetary well being. “Revenue and loss and the steadiness sheet are the accountability of the administration of every firm—be it BSNL, Vodafone Concept, Jio, or Airtel,” he added. Whereas the federal government does meet firm executives when approached, Scindia mentioned he doesn’t imagine in interfering in company operations, no matter whether or not the entity is public or has authorities fairness involvement.
“They should outline their very own path at finish of the day. That is the job of CEO of Vodafone Concept,” Scindia reportedly mentioned when requested about turnaround timelines and accountability, particularly since public funds have been used to assist the corporate.
“There’s nothing on my desk at this level, so I am unable to remark. I feel the Supreme Court docket has dominated on the matter, and that is the place it stands,” Scindia reportedly mentioned when requested whether or not the federal government plans to introduce laws to guard telecom firms from penalties and curiosity.
Additionally Learn: Vodafone Concept Should Clear Authorities Dues, Says Minister
Satellite tv for pc Communications Open for World Gamers
On the difficulty of satellite tv for pc communications, Scindia mentioned the Division of Telecommunications (DoT) has acquired suggestions from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and can start processing them. Whereas he didn’t present a particular timeline for the rollout of satcom companies, he assured that efforts are underway to expedite the method.
Commenting on the entry of worldwide gamers akin to Starlink and Amazon’s Challenge Kuiper, Scindia mentioned the Indian market is open to competitors. “Whoever needs to come back into my market, examine all of the containers by way of the principles and rules and processes—we would like you right here,” he mentioned, including that buyer selection stays the highest precedence. He emphasised {that a} wholesome market thrives on competitors, whether or not from home or worldwide gamers.
Indian Market Welcomes Competitors
“Identical to the mounted line area or the cellular area or the broadband area, equally in satellite tv for pc, I need competitors. Everyone seems to be welcome right here. Tick the containers. Hurry up and begin enterprise,” the Union Minister reportedly mentioned.
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