Telecom Dues: DoT orders Gujarat Narmada to pay 20 times its profit

The government is seeking at least $30 billion in overdue telecom fees from mobile-phone service providers to energy companies and fertiliser makers as it struggles to meet its budget deficit target with economic growth foundering.

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals on Wednesday said the telecom ministry has ordered it to pay Rs 15,020 crore ($2.1 billion) by January 23, more than 20 times the company’s annual profit. This follows a $3-billion demand from Vodafone Group’s Indian unit, another $3 billion from Bharti Airtel, and reports that GAIL India has been asked for $24 billion.