DoT in a spot as protest goes on over PCO call rate issue

VADODARA, SEPT 14: The Department of Telecom DoT is finding itself in a tight spot as more and more people voice their protest against the high rates for local calls. Though the DoT here says that a proposal for rationalising the local call charges at Public Call Offices PCOs has been sent to the Chief General Managers CGMs, the protestors wanted a quick outcome to the issue.

Following a 8220;Pratik Upvas8221; outside DoT General Manager Rakesh Babu8217;s office on Monday by three three NGOs 8212; Social and Cultural Group of Vadodara, Yuva Prahar and Akota Young artists the agitators have decided a more forceful manner of protest. According to them a number of protest rallies are in the queue. 8220;This is just the beginning. We will organise rallies and public meetings to bring about a consensus on this issue,8221; said Shailesh Shah of the Social and Cultural Group. He warned of continued agitation if the DoT took an indifferent stance to their demand.

The DoT, on the other hand, is apparently worried over the growing consensus. In a press release issued by the GM8217;s office, the officials clarified that the tariff cannot be changed at the local level. They, however, said a proposal will be sent shortly to the Chief General Manager in Ahmedabad for rationalising the local call rate.

The release added that in cases of irregularities like charging of more rates for local calls, stern action would be taken against PCO operators. The DoT officials said more CCB-type PCOs were being sanctioned by the DoT for STD-PCO booths to let subscribers make local calls for Re 1.

The protestors, meanwhile have a suggestion: 8220;We propose introduction of coupons for call charges, on the lines of advance ticket issued by the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service AMTS,8221; said activist Muktesh Trivedi. But DoT officials said the Vadodara DoT office will require clearance from the CGM8217;s office to make it practical.