Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

29-September-2011 19:09 IST

Finance Minister’s Statement on 2G Note

The following is the text of the Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s statement, made here today:

“A number of stories on 2G Spectrum had appeared in the media in January 2011. A view was taken that a harmonized note based on facts should be produced for use by various representatives of the Government. A group of officers prepared an inter-ministerial background paper which was sent to PMO on 25th march 2011.

Apart from the factual background, the paper contains certain inferences and interpretations which do not reflect my views.

The policy of the Government in 2007-2008 was continuation of the policy adopted in October 2003 and as reiterated by TRAI.”

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OK/VSB/DB

Government policy continuity affirmed; background note contained inferences not endorsed by minister and served only as factual briefing. The Finance Minister explained that a harmonized inter ministerial background paper compiling factual material on 2G spectrum was prepared for government representatives and sent to the Prime Minister's Office; the paper contained certain inferences and interpretations which the Minister stated do not reflect his views, and he affirmed that the Government's policy in the relevant period continued the earlier policy as reiterated by the regulatory authority referenced in the note.