Question : NON-DISPATCH OF TELEPHONE BILLS

(a) whether the Government are aware that the MTNL has adopted a source of extra income by not sending Telephone bills in time to subscribers and claiming the surcharge on outstanding bills;

(b) if so, the total amount so far collected through realisation on outstanding bills during the last three years, year-wise;

(c) whether the Government have made any inquiry in this regard;

(d) if so, the findings of the inquiry made; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely sending telephone bills by MTNL to its subscribers?

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

(a) No, Sir.

(b) to (d): Do not arise in view of (a) above.

(e) Bills are sent to postal authorities 4 to 5 days in advance so as to reach the subscriber in time. Time for payment in respect of bill is 21 days from the date of issue of bill. In case of any delay in dispatch of bills due to reasons beyond control, the pay by dates (due dates) are duly extended accordingly and without surcharge and new paper notifications are also given for the convenience of subscribers.