PAC to look into telecom licences,2G spectrum

Communications Minister A. Raja in the 2G spectrum scam,especially after the successful bidding of the 3G spectrum that fetched a whopping Rs 67,710 crore.

Sources in the PAC said that the final call on the issue would be taken up in the next meeting of the PAC on June 29. The PAC would decide upon the agenda for the year in the meeting. The sources said that the areas of irregularity raised by the CAG report would form the basis for PAC audit.

There are allegations that the government suffered a huge loss of almost Rs 60,000 crore due to giving of spectrum to telecom players at throw away prices fixed in 2001. The licenses bundled with spectrum were given to the new private operators.

Earlier in the week,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had also said the government would take action if corruption was proven at any level. The Chief Vigilance Commissioner and CBI are already investigating into the matter. .

As regard more powers to PAC,Joshi said,it has sufficient powers. It should be provided with more backup facilities and staff.