“It is also a little bit like coming full circle for me. I worked as a junior minister in this department in 2007, 2008 and 2009.For me, this is also a department with which I have had tremendous emotional ties. It is my sincere effort to ensure that we live up to the expectations of the people of India under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” Scindia said while talking to the media.
Scindia was the Minister of State for Communications in the UPA-I government from 2007-2009. He is said to have played a key role in driving the post office modernisation with the Project Arrow scheme.
“Both the telecom division as well as the India Post division have a tremendous role to play on a global stage, as well as, on a local stage. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, there has been a revolution in this department. Today, I vow to persevere and put in my best to ensure that we deliver according to the aspirations of the Prime Minister, as well as the 140 crore people across the length and breadth of this country,” Scindia said.
The minister, however, declined to comment on spectrum auctions and other issues.
COAI’s welcome message for the new telecom minister
The Cellular Operators Association of India has welcomed the new telecom minister. “COAI on behalf of the telecom industry is really pleased to welcome Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia as the Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, the past decade has been marked by significant efforts to revive the industry and bring the digital revolution to the masses. In the continued spirit and vision, we look forward to working with Hon’ble Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia to advance further policy reforms and spearhead pioneering initiatives that will elevate the digital revolution to the next level, integrating a variety of technological innovations,” said Lt General Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, COAI, in a statement.
Challenges ahead for the new telecom minister
A crucial task for the new telecom leader will be to maintain the current structure of India’s telecom market, which comprises three private players, and to ensure the survival of the financially troubled Vodafone Idea, where the government holds the largest share.
Another significant challenge lies in the prompt implementation of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, specifically the notification of its rules within the first 100 days of the new administration. The importance of this task stems from the fact that these rules will establish the framework for spectrum pricing and the conditions under which satellite spectrum can be administratively allocated and used.
