Govt clears BSNL of 2G scam involvement

 The government today said that the state-run BSNL had entered into an arrangement with Swan Telecom, which is under CBI scanner for 2G scam, for intra-circle roaming services and infrastructure sharing, but clarified that no irregularity was found in the PSU.

"...No scam has been reported in the 2G mobile service of BSNL. However, it has been revealed that BSNL had entered into a memorandum of understanding in 2008 with Swan Telecom for intra-circle roaming services and sharing of BSNL infrastructure with Swan Telecom," Minister of State for Telecom Milind Deora informed Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The names of the companies which were allegedly favoured in allocation of 2G spectrum are Swan Telecom and Unitech Wireless (earlier know as Tamil Nadu Pvt Ltd), Deora said.

Further, he said that the Central Vigilance Commission has not blamed officials of the Telecom Ministry for non-cooperation in the investigation into the 2G scam.

Replying to another question on number of ongoing departmental enquires for irregularities, mainly related to violation of procedure in procurement, acceptance of illegal gratifications and other irregularities, he said as on August 31, 2011, the number stood at 2,651.

"Appropriate action is taken in accordance with Central Civil Services Rules, 1965 or Conduct Discipline and Appeal Rules as applicable," he said, adding that appropriate punishment orders were issued by the competent authorities.