2G case: Ex-telecom secy denies lapse

Appearing before the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) instituted to look into the 2G case, former telecom secretary PJ Thomas denied any lapse of his ministry in the 2G spectrum roll-out.

Appearing before the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) instituted to look into the 2G case, former telecom secretary PJ Thomas denied any lapse of his ministry in the 2G spectrum roll-out.

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Instead, he pointed out that security clearances from the home ministry led to delay in importing equipment and this affected the roll-out plans of several telecom operators.

Thomas, who became the telecom secretary after the 2G spectrum was distributed, told the JPC that he didn’t notice irregularities of the service providers in rolling out the 2G service. “Thomas answered that there was regular review during his tenure. But the roll-out was delayed as the home ministry imposed a condition that imported equipment should have security clearance,” JPC chairman PC Chacko said.

Thomas was also asked why the telecom department wrote a letter to the law ministry seeking the latter’s views if the CAG can look into policy matters. Thomas maintained that it was not his decision to seek the opinion on the CAG’s role.