Government collects Rs 32,000 crore in AGR and statutory dues since SC’s rap

The telecom companies have paid nearly Rs 32,000 crore in their AGR and statutory dues so far since the Supreme Court pulled up the government for not collecting the AGR dues by the earlier due date.

The windfall will help the government bridge its deficit at a time when revenue collection has taken a hit due to a slowing economy.

On February 14, both the telcos and the Department of Telecom faced the top court’s ire over non-payment of AGR dues. The telecom department has already netted Rs 32,000 crore in AGR and statutory dues before the next hearing, which is scheduled for March 17.