Question : REDUCTION IN LOCAL CALLS RATE

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to reduce the rates of Local Telephone call charges as has been done in the case of STD/ ISD effective from 1st October, 2000;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

(c) Under TRAI Act of 1997, Tariff setting function has been entrusted to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.