Bill amends telecom regulator eligibility to include retirees

It aims to remove a provision that disqualified qualified individuals who had served the government but did not hold specific senior ranks for a minimum duration.

Who it concerns: The Bill affects the Central Government (which appoints members) and potential candidates for the Chairperson or member positions at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), specifically those who are currently in government service or have retired from it.

What the bill does

• Amends Section 4 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
• Specifies that a person in government service or retired on superannuation can only be appointed as a member if they held the post of Secretary, Additional Secretary, or an equivalent post in the Central or State Government for at least three years.
• The Act comes into force on a date appointed by the Central Government via notification in the Official Gazette.

Also in the document

• The Statement of Objects and Reasons states the previous proviso was considered 'unreasonable' and 'inconsistent' because it disqualified persons who excelled in relevant fields but did not hold senior posts for three years.
• The amendment restricts the eligibility restriction to those who are currently in service or have retired on attaining the age of superannuation.