Question : Suspension of Communication Services

(a) the incidents of Internet shutdowns, suspension of communication services and their respective duration during the last six years, State/UT-wise;

(b) the key reason specified in the suspension order for each incident;

(c) the details of the orders considered by the review committee constituted under the Internet Shutdowns and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017;

(d) whether suspension orders are available in the public domain;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government has estimated the economic loss due to these shutdowns; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) to (c): Police and public order are State subjects as per seventh schedule of the Constitution. Department of Telecommunications notified “Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 on 07.08.2017 under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 under which, the directions to suspend the telecom services, including internet in an area, can either be issued by the Union Home Secretary or Home Secretary of State Government
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LS.US.Q.NO.1501 FOR 11.02.2020
Concerned, as the case may be, due to public emergency or public safety. Centralized database in this regard is not maintained. These orders have been reviewed by the Review Committee as per the provisions contained in the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Pubic Safety) Rules, 2017.
(d)& (e): The orders regarding temporary shutdowns of telecom services in Delhi are available at http:mha.gov.in.
(f) & (g): No sir.
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