Sharad Pawar steps down as head of EGoM on telecom

03 Jul 2012 Evaluate

Agricultural Minister Sharad Pawar has stepped down as the head of Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on telecom on July 02, in order to evade getting dragged into unnecessary controversy over 2G spectrum allocation. Pawar was given the responsibility of heading the EGoM after finance minister Pranab Mukherjee stepped down to become the United Progressive Alliance’s Presidential candidate. Consequently, Pawar was given the duty as he being the most senior most minister in the cabinet.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said ‘attempts have been made in the past to unnecessarily drag me into the (2G spectrum) controversy. The allegations were false and motivated and I had refuted them strongly. At this juncture, I believe that my association in the decision making process as the chairman of the EGoM, may further motivate the vested elements to try to drag me in the controversy.’

The EGoM was earlier scheduled to meet on June 21 to fix on spectrum pricing and related issues but was deferred with Mukherjee entering the Presidential race. The panel is authorized to look into the entire range of issues, including the pricing and vacation of spectrum, the grant of licence and the allocation of spectrum in 2G band in 22 service areas. Earlier in February 2012, the SC had cancelled 122 2G licenses issued during the tenure of A Raja.

Prime Minister has agreed to ease him from the responsibility. Earlier in April last year, Pawar quit as the head of the EGoM on corruption after protest from social activist Anna Hazare. He is currently the head of EGoM on Pharmaceuticals and is also a member of several groups of Ministers.

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