CCI seeks support from govt

Unlike sectoral regulators, competition authorities lack independent revenue sources and depend on budgetary allocations. This can be a severe constraint in effective competition oversight and in maintaining autonomy, Dhall said, adding that support from the Ministry of Company Affairs MCA is critical to the CCI.

8216;8216;It is necessary to build a broad body of stakeholders having adequate knowledge of competition issues, who have a stake in promoting compliance,8217;8217; Dhall said.

In Turkey, the competition authority is funded through a cess on registration of companies, while in Mexico, budget allocations are substantial, he noted.

The CCI will also need expert staff for investigation, economic analysis, application of legal principles and communication 8212; as opposed to appointees who 8216;learn on the job,8217; Dhall said.

The CCI finalised draft regulations in 2004, which installed international best practices such as pre-hearing conferences, consent orders, a cap on adjournments and time-bound order pronouncement, he said.