Deferring non-AGR dues new option on government table

NEW DELHI: The government is working on all options, including deferring carrier dues other than adjusted gross revenue (AGR) liabilities, to ensure Vodafone Idea isn’t forced to close, the sector remains viable and no jobs are lost, said a top government official.

The government is not planning to introduce an ordinance to change the definition of AGR to help state-run companies such as GAIL, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd and Oil India Ltd, he said. These companies need to approach the telecom tribunal against the demand notices issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and get relief as indicated by the Supreme Court, he said.