Panel on 2G spectrum submits report, names errant officials

NEW DELHI - Former Supreme Court judge Shivraj V. Patil Monday submitted his report on the procedures followed in awarding airwaves for second generation (2G) telecom services between 2001 and 2009, and identified some errant officials.

“We have identified some officials on whose part there have been some deficiencies and lapses. We have also suggested remedial measures,” Justice Patil, who led the one-man probe panel, told reporters here after submitting his report to the government.

Communications Minister Kapil Sibal, who appointed the one-man committee, said the report ran into 150 pages with over a dozen annexures and that it would be made public at an appropriate time.

“I place on record my appreciation to Justice Patil for submitting the report in such a short period,” Sibal said, adding: “We will examine the report thoroughly and take all the necessary action.”

The report also comes at a time when the government is framing a new telecom policy.

The terms of reference of the one-man committee included to go into the circumstances that led to the formulation of the New Telecom Policy of 1999 and to examine the internal procedures since 2001 to issue licences and allocate airwaves.

The panel was also asked to examine if procedures were followed consistently and if these were followed in fair and transparent manner and report any deviation, shortcomings and lapses.