From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: The controversial telecom bill that attracted over 900 criticisms has been dropped by the communication ministry from its agenda for the winter session of Parliament that begins on Wednesday.
The ministry is examining several changes in the draft, primarily on the OTT services and the telecom regulator’s role.
The proposed legislation stirred controversy as it called for curbing Trai’s role and putting services like WhatsApp under telco licensing. Sources said the ministry may make a bunch of tweaks in some of these provisions, and introduce a second draft before December 10.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi listed 25 legislations tentatively for the winter session, which will have 17 sittings spread over 23 days until December 29.
Among the government Bills coming up for discussion include the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019, Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2022, Meditation Bill, 2021, Trade Marks (Amendment) Bill 2022, Multi-state cooperative societies (Amendment) Bill 2022 and the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2022.
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