Consensus on JPC probe into 2G spectrum scam

NEW DELHI - At an all-party meeting called by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar here today, the government conveyed to the Opposition that it will move a resolution for Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in the House on February 22, which will be followed by a discussion on the floor of the House, according to sources.

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal will move a motion to this effect in Parliament on February 22 and the Speaker will decide on the terms of reference of the JPC, the sources added.

The meeting was called just a day ahead of the crucial Budget Session that begins on Monday.

The Speaker urged for an end to the deadlock over JPC and restoration of normalcy in Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pavan Kumar Bansal had earlier said that the government will take a decision on JPC probe issue before Wednesday.

“We have worked out something…but we can’t say anything right now. But we want the Opposition to cooperate with the government and ensure that Parliament functions,” said Bansal.

During the Winter Session, the government’s no to a JPC inquiry into the 2G scam led to a complete paralysis of Parliament with less than ten hours of business being conducted.

Former Telecom Minister A Raja, his personal secretary RK Chandolia, former telecom secretary Siddharth Behuria and managing director of DB Realty Shahid Balwa have been so far arrested in 2G scam over their alleged roles

Raja was forced to resign from the Union Cabinet last year after the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) faulted him for undervaluing spectrum to favour companies who were largely ineligible for 2G spectrum, and added that the government had probably lost Rs.1.76 lakh crore in estimated revenue. (ANI)