(a) the acts and rules which govern various wired and wireless communications in the country;
(b) whether the Government proposes to bring amendment to the said acts and rules in view of majority of them reportedly being archaic in nature and communication being a constant evolving field and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether the Government has set up any Committee to study the relevance of such old laws and rules and if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) & (b) The Acts governing wired and wireless communications in the country are Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Rules made under these Acts. The Principal Rules are:-
(1) Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951
(2) Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Commercial Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency and Licence to Operate Wireless Telegraphy) Rules,1954
(3) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Demonstration) Rules, 1962
(4) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Experimental Service) Rules, 1962
(5) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Possession) Rules, 1965
(6) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Foreign Aircraft) Rules, 1973
(7) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Foreign Ships) Rules, 1973
(8) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Amateur) Rules, 1978; and
(9) Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Commercial Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency and Licence to operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) Rules, 1997
(10) Further, various new rules have been issued for exemption of licencing requirements in exercise of powers conferred under section 4 and 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and section 4 & 10 of Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 from time to time since 2003 onwards.
Amendments to the above mentioned Rules have been carried out from time to time.
(c) Government has not set up any separate Committee as on date to study the relevance of such laws and rules.