Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman Mr. Ram Sewak Sharma is retiring on 30th September. As per the rules laid down in TRAI Act, the chairman can be in office for a period of 3 years or till attainment of 65 years of age. Mr. Sharma, who was appointed as TRAI chairman on 10th August 2015 has completed his 3 year tenure in August 2018. However, a day before completion of his tenure, he got an extension for a further period, up to 30th September, 2020, the date on which he attains the age of 65 years.
The government then, felt that he can handle global corporates and teach them Indian regulations. Now that he is retiring on 30th September, the Department of Telecommunications has started looking for TRAI Chairman’s post and an advertisement has been published too.
On the Broadcasting front, he has led the revolution of digitization of Cable TV services in India. Though the task was physically complete, he had to face severe criticism for the lapses. Though he claimed himself that he acted in the interest of the people, the beneficiaries are the Govt ( in the form of 18% GST) and the broadcaster with huge subscription revenues. Finally, the consumer was made to pay almost double the amount towards their monthly subscriptions and the LCOs have become the scape goats. The independent MSOs had to bear heavy costs for digital head-ends and the subsidies in the STBs.
The decision of the Bombay High Court on the NTO 2.0 is expected any time this month and the outcome is likely to condone his mishandling if the Court’s verdict is in favor of TRAI.
