Relief to Voda-Idea: Cabinet approves moratorium on payment of levies, other reforms

In a much-awaited and desired relief, the government approves a big-bang reform package for the cash-starved telecom sector, with the announcement of four-year moratorium on payment of dues, besides a number of structural and process related to the industry.

Announcing the decision of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Communication Ashwini Vaishnav said, “The reforms are deep and broad. They are structural. These reforms will bring in change today, tomorrow and in the future. I do not like to put a number on the package as it is revenue-neutral for the government.” He went on to add that the moratorium would not impact the government’s revenue.