(a) whether CGMs telecoms were instructed to form standing working groups at telecom factories level to bring about reduction in the cost of items;
(b) if so, whether such groups have been formed;
(c) if so, the number of meetings held by them so far and the outcome thereof;
(d) whether the prices of telecom items produced in their factories came down in comparison to the prices prevailing in the markets; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) to (c) : A `Product Cost Review Group` of Telecom Factories was constituted on 9.4.99 The `group` submitted its report on 18th may 1999. The issue of cost comparison is also reviewed in Quarterly Production Review meetings of factories.
(d) & (e): Yes, Sir. The prices of some of the items produced in Telecom Factories have come down in comparison to the prices prevailing in the markets. The prices of other items are somewhat higher due to large work force and overhead in these factories.