Opposition demand for JPC probe unreasonable, says Kapil Sibal

NEW DELHI - The Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Sunday rejected the opposition demand for a JPC probe into the allocation of 2G spectrum, saying such a process will not help achieve the objective.

Describing the demand as unreasonable, Sibal noted that the demand has only a political motive.

Interacting with mediapersons here, Sibal said the government is not averse to a Supreme Court-monitored probe, but does not want any executive authority to intervene, to ensure that the process is transparent and has the confidence of the people.

“The government has initiated action to see if ineligible firms were given licences and as far as criminal culpability is concerned, the matter was being investigated. A JPC should emerge through a consensus or when there is a cause of national concern,” said Sibal.

Sibal further said that his ministry will look into the decision-making that took place from 2008-2009, as the action has already been initiated. The new operators that allegedly suppressed information to get licences would be issued showcause notices and asked to explain why their licences should not be cancelled.

He said the government is ready to discuss the issue in Parliament.

Noting that the government is ready to discuss the issue in parliament, Sibal said that the ministry will decide future telecom policy and a JPC has no role in that. (ANI)