(a) whether some telecom companies have not deposited their share in Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF);
(b) if so, the details thereof, company-wise, alongwith the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the Government has received any complaint regarding the utilization of the fund;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA)
(a) & (b) As per the Indian Telegraph Amendment Act, 2003, the telecom companies are not
required to deposit their share in Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) directly. It
is collected as part of the total license fee.
(c) & (d) Two complaints were received regarding the utilization of USOF Fund.
(i) Complaint received through Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) regarding disbursement of Rs.
1650 crore to M/s Tata Teleservices and M/s Reliance by USOF for self certified and mostly fake
rural phones.
(ii) Issues raised by Hon’ble MP Shri Rajendra Agarwal regarding alleged irregularities in the
design and management of USOF subsidy with particular reference to Rural Direct Exchange Line
(RDEL) Scheme.
(e) The action taken by the Government in this regard is as follows:-
(i) On the CVC complaint four special squads headed by Principal Chief Controller of
Accounts/Chief Controller of Accounts have been formed to examine the complaints and
submit their report.
(ii) The issue raised by the Hon’ble MP is under examination of the Government.