‘Super Regulator’ to replace TRAI, TDSAT

MUMBAI: After scrapping the planning commission, the Modi government is thinking about clipping the wings of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

According to a CNBC TV-18 story, the government is planning on a new super regulator for the communications sector. To be called Communications Commission, it will not only retain powers that TRAI enjoys, but also look into other matters concerning other regulators as well like Censor Board, some clearances from Ministry Of Environment, Competition Commission of India and the Department of Telecommunications.

Moreover, the bill will also replace the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) with a new appellate body called the Communications Appellate Tribunal, which will have three members and a chairman. According to the report, this tribunal will also have the power to oversee dispute resolution.

The communications bill seeks to replace all old and redundant legislations which include the Telegraph Act and TRAI Act. The Bill proposes a six member regulator with one chairman, who will have five year tenure. The member will include one each from sectors like telecom, broadcasting, finance, management, accountancy and either law or consumer affairs.