Context:
TRAI to soon bring in tighter regulations to control spam.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):
- Established on – 20th February 1997
- Statutory body established under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- Objectives –
- Promote growth of telecommunications in India.
- Regulate telecom services, including tariff fixation/revision.
- Ensure a fair and transparent policy environment for competition.
- Headquarters – New Delhi.
- Composition – Consists of a Chairperson, 2 whole-time members, and 2 part-time members, appointed by the Government of India.
- Tenure – Chairperson and members serve for 3 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- Removal of Members – Members can be removed by the Central Government for insolvency, moral turpitude, incapacity, or abuse of position.
- TRAI Meetings – Decisions made by majority vote; Chairperson has a casting vote in case of a tie.
- Functions –
- Recommendations on new service providers, license revocation, competition measures, and technological improvements.
- Recommendations are non-binding – Central Government can refer recommendations back to TRAI for reconsideration.
- Ensure compliance with license terms, technical compatibility, quality of service, and periodic surveys.
- Powers –
- Information Orders: Can request information from service providers.
- Inquiry Appointments: Can appoint persons to inquire into service providers’ affairs.
- Inspection Orders: Can direct officers to inspect service providers’ documents.
- Directions to Service Providers: Can issue necessary directions for proper functioning.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?
1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
3. Finance Commission
4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
5. NITI Aayog
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 2 and 5 only
Answer: (a)