The government plans to comply with the Supreme Court order on adjusted gross revenue statutory dues, along with the financial health of the telecom companies while keeping in mind the consumer interest. Sources indicate that, so far, telecom companies have made a payment of over Rs 15,700 crore on account of AGR dues and companies have sought 7-10 days time for payment of balance amount.

“Had the telecom companies made the payment of AGR dues in time, there would have been room for negotiation on penalties and late payment fees. The government intends to fully comply with the Supreme Court order while keeping in mind the health of the telecom sector and consumer interest” said a government source.

Telecom companies continue to engage with the government on the AGR issue. Bharati Airtel chief Sunil Bharti Mittal met telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday.

“AGR issue an unprecedented crisis for the telecom industry. Bharti Airtel will make the balance payment of AGR dues before March 17. Have also Sought rationalisation of taxes and levies for the telecom sector” said Mittal.

Vodafone Idea made a payment of Rs 1,000 crore on Thursday, making a total payment of Rs 3,500 crore for AGR dues of Rs 56,709 crore. Bharti Airtel has so far paid about Rs 10,000 crore for statutory dues of Rs Rs 39,723 crore. Tata Teleservices owes about Rs 14,819 crore of which it has made a payment of Rs 2197 crore and has also cited that this is full payment on account of AGR dues as per company’s assessment.

Sources have indicated that the Department of Telecom (DoT) will conduct a test check for verification of statutory dues claimed by the government with the telecom companies to verify the payment made under self-assessment by individual companies. The test check will specifically begin with companies that have claimed full and final settlement of AGR dues.

CNBC-TV18 has also learnt that the government is currently calculating bank guarantees of the telecom companies circle wise and is also awaiting legal opinion on bank guarantee encashment.

First Published:Feb 20, 2020 9:33 PM IST